rge chandeliers overhead. People rushed everywhere, servants in their neat robes, soldiers in their pressed uniforms, and nobles in their finest dress.

ke sure that the room isn’t buried underneath a century of dust,” Elric murmured into her ear. Saffron clutched at his

ow she was in its depths. It was built from heavy stones, but the inside had been whitewashed to give it a brighter appearance. The walls were adorned w

, draped in large ornamental rugs that squished pleasantly beneath her shoes. The hearth sat across from them, taking up most of the far

a low, plush sofa. She marveled at the soft fabric as it sank be

r pale,” he asked her, teasing

r was pulled back into a severe bun that matched the grim expression on her face. Her eyes were narrowed, and her mouth pressed into an unforgiving line. Saffron didn’t think this woman had ever smiled a day

of your…guest,” her voice was as grim as her face as she looked

ick grey eyebrows rose in surprise. Her black eyes took in Saffron: her bedraggled hair hanging from its limp br

he asked, pulling her attention from Saffron. Her eyes lingered

ill want to speak with you. You’ll want to change I am sure,” she stated, sneeri

h your father,” Verita said dismissively. “Come, girl.” She s

aking with my father. I promise.” He placed a small kiss on her cheek, his stubbled b

said with a laugh and pushed her gently forward. Wi

. Saffron had to nearly run to keep up. She led her to a grand staircase that Saffron had barely noticed when she first arrived in the castle. It was a thing of

rkadios crest: a large brown bear standing atop a hill, a coronet rests upon its head and a heraldic rose is crossed with a sword underneath it. Saffron found

still polished as below. Verita led her to the last door on the left. The door was taller than Saffron by nearly three feet and curved int

rooms! They were in the sitting room which was bedecked in a rose-colored sofa and two armchairs placed in front of

ve we have a few dresses that should fit you. Tomorrow, we will have you measured for more appropriate attire, although I am not convince

e never considered that she would be…unwanted. Well, there was nothing she could do about it at this moment. A light knock sounded

enter of the room. A narrow window looked out over the same forest as the sitting room. The

ing miss?” she asked,

Saffron replied,

ther curtesy the girl was gone. Saffron tugged off her ruined dress and cape and sank into

of roses as well. Saffron wondered how soon this scent would begin to give her

ng down her back, she walked into her bed-chamber for the first time. The bed was large; nearly five people could lay in it comfortably. The frame was made from a rich, dark wood with

ft yellow. She had expected it to be pink based on the overwhelming amount of the hue in her rooms. She picked it up and looked at it, a bemused expression on

washed and clothed in a more formal black doublet and pants. His eyes widened at the state of her undress. The robe clung

seen a man look at her with such naked desire. She fe

ck,” she said, her face a deep pink. Elric cl

n the kitchen gossiping with the others. I have a feeling she will still b

proper to let him in, in her current state but he was a

ck from the door, making sure to give him a wide be

d and looked down the e

ossed her arms over her chest. With a

rooms?” he asked and walke

ss I could do without,” she

her sleeping chamber. She stood holding a large frilly yellow dress wit

t looks as if it is meant to crush a woman to death.” She said and

xactly that,” he said, still chuc

to help me into this? Until she returns I am trapped in this,” she gestured a

ame as she imagined his fingers on her skin. But she couldn’t wait for the silly girl to get back up here. She was expec

are of her exposed skin she stepped out and watched Elric’s face. His eyes slowly darkened as they took in her

iating enough,” she snapped a

railing along her delicate skin. He watched as bumps rippled across her flesh at the touch of his fingertips. He

uch his lips with hers. She had only been kissed a few times before by fumbling village bo

. A dormant desire roared to life inside of her. She wanted more. She wanted him. With a small moan, she twisted until s

wer of her kiss. He had kissed many women in his time but none that made him feel quite like this. He pressed her into the bedpost,