Chapter 31 In his room
SOMA
I pace the room, my chest tight with fury. It’s been over thirty hours since that encounter with Brynne, but I can’t get the heat of his fingers around my neck off my mind or the urgency in his voice out of my head.
Why didn’t I react faster? I should have kicked him. I should have slapped him. I should have done something.
Maybe I shouldn’t have pitched myself to the king in front of his son, but education is the only way I can gain some control. It’s my only available option. Be it a scholarship or the king’s kindness, I’ll not let that pompous prince take that opportunity away from me.
The more I think about yesterday’s incident, about the things I should have done when he held me hostage, the more anger burns low in my chest.
Lady? That title is a joke. Even the king thinks the Moon Goddess made a mistake in her choice. No wonder his guards cowered at the sight of Brynne. Cowards who look away while a lady is being harassed.
My bare feet make soft thuds against the rug. I clench and unclench my fists, wishing I could rewind time and fight back harder. If he doesn’t have sinister plans for me, why does he insist on helping me flee? I’ll go nowhere. Not only will I earn my spot at the academy, but I’ll also ensure that five students join me there next year.
A few steps away, Jade moves around quietly, folding clothes and packing them into a trunk at the foot of the bed. Some of my things have already been moved to the academy. The rest is for when I return to the palace.
She picks up a pale lilac dress and holds it up carefully.
“My lady, you could wear this on Monday,” she offers gently to break the tension. “It’s light enough for the weather at the Academy, and the color suits you.”
I barely glance at it. “Whatever you say,” I mutter, still pacing. “It’s not like I have a choice in anything else.”
Jade doesn’t respond. She turns and hangs the dress in the closet. After a few more minutes of silent packing, she lifts the box and slips out with it. I pause, the room suddenly feeling too still and too quiet. I want to go home, but where exactly is my home? Mason is gone.
On Jade’s return, I’m standing near the window, with my arms crossed. “Jade,” I say as she closes the door behind her. “Are you coming with me to the Academy?”
She hesitates, then shakes her head. “No, my lady. My duty is here. I serve within the palace.”
Something tightens in my chest. Why can’t I have anything good for myself? I take a step forward before I can stop myself and pull her into a hug. “I’ll miss you.”
Jade stiffens instantly in my arms.
“My lady,” she gasps. “You’re not supposed to do that.”
Pulling back with a laugh, I tell her, “No one’s here to see.”
“Still…” Her expression softens. “You’re noble now.”
“Doesn’t matter,” I whisper. “I’m still me.”
She nods. “I’ll be here. Waiting for your return.”
We stand in silence for a moment before she steps back with glassy eyes to run another check on my outfit for tomorrow. I retreat to the bed and sit at the edge, running my fingers over the velvet trim of the blanket.
“Jade…” I glance at her as she fusses with the curtains for the umpteenth time. “Have you ever been to the Academy?”
She looks up, startled. “Oh, no, my lady. Only a select few are allowed through those gates. Mostly nobles and chosen attendants. And even then… it’s rare.”
Taking that in, I nod slowly. She’s my attendant, yet they won’t let her follow me to the academy. Why did I expect them to treat me like an actual royal? Until the mate bond or the Luna selection ceremony is redone, I doubt King Rowan will regard me with anything but stiff politeness.
The room falls quiet again until a rumble from my stomach betrays me. I place a hand over it, my cheeks burning. The sound echoes louder than it should in the stillness.
Jade chuckles. “I’ll go get dinner, my lady.”
My mouth opens, but I can’t push out the words to stop her. I hate to admit it, but my body has adjusted to life in the palace. Before this, I could go all day with only water and a piece of bread. Now, if I don’t eat at least two meals, my stomach will protest. But it shows in my frame. My cheeks are no longer sunken, and I have flesh in places I didn’t know it could exist.
As the door clicks shut behind Jade, I glance around the room that’s somehow become mine. A princess suite. Fit for someone who still doesn’t quite believe she belongs in it. The soft glow of the light dances over plush carpets and elegant furniture. Velvet chairs, a carved vanity, a study table with a shelf above it, and a wardrobe bigger than any room I’ve ever slept in.
Moments later, Jade opens the door, peeking in before stepping aside. “Dinner is on the table, my lady.”
Dragging myself off the bed, I pad to the small dining area and slide into a chair. The food smells rich, but I hesitate to eat when Jade stands by the table instead of joining me like she has done in the past few days. She clasps her hands in front of her, keeping her head down.
“Aren’t you joining me?”
She hesitates. “No, my lady.”
“Why not?” I pick up the spoon, taking a scoop of the white sauce first. It’s so nice I almost moan. This isn’t an argument I want to have today, but Jade doesn’t move an inch from her spot. “We always eat together.”
Her gaze darts up and flutters away. “The… the Crown Prince demanded your presence. He’s in his room.”