Elina

But I felt nothing but fear.

There was nothing remotely romantic about Elina. Not because she wasn't attractive. Far from it. But it was the look in her eyes.

Giddy madness.

A child given the power of a king.

It wasn't a look that would inspire tenderness in a man. Quite the opposite.

She prodded my face, waiting for my answer.

"Hmmm, Salem?"

I heaved out a breath.

I said, "You snuck out first. We lied to each other. So let's call it even."

She shook her head. "No, no~ I never lied to you. I never pretended to do something I wasn't." She put a finger on my lips. "But you made me think you were asleep when you were not."

I wanted to point out that by sneaking out, she was trying to make me think she was in the room when she actually wasn't. Which was a form of deception. A lie. But the pulsing silver in her eyes made me think that talking back was a bad idea for now.

I said, "How do you want to punish me?"

"Hmmm~"

A hand on my chest. It traveled downwards, past my stomach and felt my thighs. Squeezed them.

"Maybe I should cut off your legs? Or maybe your arms? Or take one of your eyes?"

"Isn't that a bit much?"

"A deceitful man must learn his lesson~"

I kept my fear away from my face. Didn't let it show.

Elina shouldn't kill me. At least not now. Not here. Because if she wanted to, she'd have already done it.

But she was the kind who could kill like she could breathe. Without a thought. Without remorse. Like it was fun.

Better to give into her demands than to resist.

I said, "I can't help you get to Merkelborough without my arms and legs. I still need to take care of my sister. I need my body in one piece. After that, you can do whatever you want with me."

She pursed her lips. Seemed to think for a moment.

She said, "Hmmm, that's true. Yulia would be sad, no? And it would be unforgivable to make a little sister cry."

She breathed in. Breathed out. Her chest pressed against mine. I could feel the beat of her heart. I waited.

She said, "Tomorrow you must spend the whole day by my side and do whatever I say."

I thought about just giving up an eye. That seemed easier. But that would create a blindspot during combat.

"Fine…"

She got off me. It was time to sleep.

She slept on bed. I slept on the floor. Which seemed fair to her. But I was curious about the bed. Never stayed in a place like the King's Lodge. Never seen a bed like that. Big and soft with white sheets. It looked comfortable.

-------------------

What a foolish man.

I felt him glance over to the bed. My bed. Some kind of curiosity in his eyes. Maybe I should invite him to join me? He has probably never slept in a nice bed like this before.

I opened my mouth. But said nothing.

I thought better of it.

The next morning. I woke up. Opened my eyes. He was still there, fast asleep, breathing softly. I got out of bed, knelt down on front of him and poked his face. Nothing.

I got up. If he kept sleeping, then I could have both breakfast portions all to myself~

Went to the door. Opened it. I stopped.

I thought better of it.

Went back to him. Gave his face a slight nudge with my feet.

He stirred. Breathed out. Opened his eyes.