Page 34 of Wild Flame

“Of course she’ll be there,” Nilfren said, inserting himself in the conversation where he definitely wasn’t wanted. “You won’t want to miss something like that, Princess.”

My only answer was a tight half smile. “I’ll consider it.”

Anxious about all the eyes of the table suddenly on me and irritated about having to watch Malik with other women all night, I made my excuses and stood. I carefully made my way around the edge of the hall, avoiding any of the performers—currently, it was a pair of bards playing stringed instruments and singing a bawdy tune. When I finally reached the exit, I stepped out into the wide corridor and felt like I could breathe again.

Luckily no one was about, and I was able to find an alcove and lean back against a stone pillar and close my eyes, trying to settle myself. If I was being honest, I knew what was truly bothering me . . . and had been all day. Tomorrow was the anniversary. It made me sick to my stomach and no matter how much I tried not to think about it—

“Are you all right, Princess?”

The deep melodic voice had my eyes snapping open—to meet Malik’s concerned stare.

“Fine. I should think you were too busy with all yourgueststonight to even notice.” I fought hard to keep the irritation out of my voice, but didn’t think I succeeded.

His eyebrow lifted. “You’re angry with me?”

I scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Why should I care what you do?”

Something sparked in his eyes as he studied me. “But you do care, don’t you, siren?”

He stepped closer and—a loud crash from down the corridor broke the spell, drawing our attention.

I was stunned and confused to find Astrid obviously struggling to stay upright after having knocked over a decorative platter of some kind. The girl’s braided hair was disheveled and her normally neat attire was ripped and sagging at the shoulder. Rajar Salim, of all people, stood beside her looking annoyed.

“Astrid?” I said, stepping free of the alcove and striding swiftly towards her. Malik followed.

As we drew near, I heard Astrid apologizing profusely as she bent—or rather fell—to her knees to pick up what she had knocked over.

“What’s going on here?” I demanded, my eyes on Salim.

Salim just stared boredly back at me. “This chit nearly bowled me over just now, that’s what. Is she yours?”

I knelt and touched my maid’s shoulder. “Astrid, are you all right?”

“I’m s-sorry,” she mumbled, her words slurred. “I didn’t mean to—I feel . . . my mind feels fuzzy.”

She was obviously out of sorts and likely drunk, though she didn’t seem the type. I grasped her face in my hands and stared at her. Her pupils were blown, her eyes dark red and bloodshot,and her fair cheeks were splotchy with color. And was that a bruise forming on her cheek?

“Astrid, did you have something to drink?”

She shook her head. “Yes, I mean . . . no. I don’t—not usually. He gave it to me and I—” She blinked rapidly. “I can’t remember.”

“Who gave it to you?” My eyes drifted to her ripped dress, her flushed face. A chill rushed down my spine. “What happened, Astrid?”

She shook her head again, tears in her red eyes. “I’m—I’m so sorry, milady. I don’t know. There was— There was a knock on your door, and I answered . . . then nothing. I can’t remember. It’s just—It’s just blank.”

“The girl obviously took something. You should keep a better leash on your servants, Highness,” Salim sneered. “I would dismiss her immediately if she were in my employ.”

“No, milady, please don’t dismiss me!” Astrid pleaded. “I don’t—I can’t—I didn’t mean—I can’t remember. . ."

“Shh,” I said. She was sobbing now. Worry for her clawed at me as I helped her to her feet.

I glanced at Malik. “Something must have happened. This isn’t like her.”

He looked at me a moment before his eyes shifted to Salim. “You’re sure you know nothing of this?”

“As I said, Your Majesty, I was returning to the feast when the girl ran into me. I know nothing else.”

I wasn’t sure I believed him. His expression was too calm, too blank. But short of calling him a liar, there was nothing I could do.

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