I snorted, surprised by the sound. “I know. I need to bathe.” It had likely been a few days. I couldn’t recall. The times I’d found the energy to wash, I would wait until I knew the king was long gone before sneaking up the stairs to our rooms.

“No,” Theenon said. “You need to leave this parlor. I’ve drawn you a bath in the guest rooms below to give you privacy and a change of scenery.”

“Theenon,” I started.

“It’s already done. Do you wish to waste the water?”

“Give it to somebody else.”

He said nothing for a stretched moment, then sighed. “Very well.”

Guilt pricked at my eyes, but I closed them and laid down over the window seat with my head against the cool glass.

I woke some hours later with a need for water and the privy. After using the latter, I collected my dinner tray and decided it was probably safe to take it back to the kitchens.

Shadows grew deeper with each step down the winding stairs, the green tapestry rustled by the howling wind outside as it stole through the cracks between the stone and windows. Rain loomed upon the stale summer air. Flame bounced in the sconces upon the walls of the hall.

My heart pattered like the wings of a trapped bird.

Bypassing the great ballroom that entwined all three towers, I hurried down the hall of the smaller tower. Soft murmurings could be heard from the staff quarters below, and I pondered over the idea of them all befriending the pregnant female who now lived amongst them.

I hadn’t been introduced. I hadn’t learned her name. I hadn’t listened for it. I hadn’t thought I’d want to know.

Rorn wouldn’t dare, yet that he hadn’t even thought to ask me what I might prefer also cut deep. As if his two lovers were to be kept separate at all times.

Pets within their rightful cages.

Embarrassed beyond measure at the thought of our people—of anyone—knowing what had become of us, and learning what I’d now been reduced to…

My fingers clenched the tray. I welcomed it. I nearly smiled as anger rushed through me to warm the metal, thankful for the rage that burned through my limbs.

At the end of the hall, I veered left and took the stairs down to the kitchens. They were half underground, the rooms for the staff even lower, and mercifully empty.

I scraped the leftover food into the compost and placed the dishes by the sink before quickly stealing a carafe of water and hurrying back to the stairs.