It wasn’t until they’d topped the third staircase that their surroundings changed. The sconces were more gaudy and detailed, and the walls were decorated with a plethora of paintings and plants, indicating they were no longer in a servant corridor.

Stopping beside a large oak door, Jaeros raised his hand in its direction before tipping his head down the hall toward another one just to the left.

“She told me both of these rooms are empty,” he said, referring to the female he’d spoken to on their way up, “and I requested she inform the staff that you are not to be disturbed. But even still, take care of how you speak.”

She nodded, ready to burst through the door and fling herself on the bed, but Jaren just crossed his arms and planted his feet, looking every bit the raging asshole. “We don’t need a fucking babysitter. You did what you needed to do. Go home. I’m sure your mate is just dying to hear this story.”

Vera wasn’t sure how the male didn’t wither under the pure hate pouring from his son, but he just met his stare, his expression blank, and said, “The other room is for you, not me.”

She jumped when a deep laugh exploded from Jaren’s chest, filling her own and vibrating down her spine. Both of his canines peeked out as he smiled at his father, the expression was anything but sincere, before he grasped the handle to the first room and flung it open.

“Holy Aleron.”

She’d obviously known any room for palace guests would be nice, but seeing it was something else entirely. Her and Elric’s entire home could’ve fit inside the single room. The ceiling went straight up like a mountain peak, the torches at their level causing eerie shadows to dance up above them.

On the left was one of the largest beds she’d ever seen, easily big enough for three adults to comfortably fit, and covered in maroon blankets and stiff-looking, cream pillows. Against the far wall was a large window she couldn’t yet see out of, and next to it was a long desk and a shelf lined with books.

Her legs itched to run over and look at them, curious what the Magyki nobility enjoyed reading, but considering she’d never learned to read Thyabathi, it wasn’t like she’d understand it anyway.

On the right was a doorway she could only assume went to a bathing room, and next to it a hearth that took up the rest of the wall with several large, bucket-like chairs before it.

It was absolutely gorgeous, easily the nicest room she’d ever been given. Yet it somehow felt cold and uninviting, and she found herself homesick for the comfort of her old room.

“Dedryn and I will see you in the morning.”

She drew her gaze from the room to look back at Jaeros, who lingered just inside the doorway. The circles under his eyes were more pronounced and, she again wondered how old he really was.