Page 41 of The Rebel's Prize

The green deepened slightly, sparking humor. "I thought you were worried about me. What if something happens in the middle of the night? You won't be here to know."

"So you don't want me to help you, but you want me to sleep with you?"

"Just sleep. I have been sleeping better these past few nights," he said almost resentfully.

She wasn't sure it was a good idea, but him admitting a vulnerability to her seemed like another tiny mend. "Very well. I'll stay." She hesitated. "I need to go back to my room and get my nightgown."

"Can't you sleep in your chemise?"

"I don't have that many sets of underthings with me. The nightgown will keep them fresher if we're back on the road tomorrow." She had sent some clothes down to be laundered by the inn, and they'd promised they would be ready first thing. She'd intended to rinse the ones she was wearing out before she went to sleep. Even with a cooling charm in her room, they would dry by morning.

"You could sleep without anything on."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Do you?"

"I'm sure you'd be perfectly safe. As you pointed out, I'm in no fit state to do anything."

"That, asyoupointed out, was before you let me lend you some energy."

He snorted. "I'm not sure it's enough for that." He patted the bed beside him, sliding over to the far side. "Just lie down. You'll be fine."

"I'll go get my nightgown, and then I'll come help you undress."

He blew out a dissatisfied breath. "Well, I guess if that's the best offer I'm going to get, I will take it."

"But you have to promise to sleep."

He touched his fingers briefly to his head and his heart. "I swear. I will try to sleep."

"Be sure that you do."

She pushed off the bed and padded across the room, slipping out the door, still not sure it was a good idea to agree to what he'd asked.

It was only a few steps down the corridor to her own door, but at the sound of her key in her lock, Silya's door opposite hers opened, and the seer poked her head out. "How is he?"

"Better," Chloe said. "He let me share some energy with him, and it seems to have helped a little. It's a start."

Silya raised an eyebrow. "And you are going to return to your own room?"

Chloe sighed. Why was everyone so terribly interested in her sleeping arrangements? "No, I'll watch over him," she said. "I'm just getting some things."

Silya nodded. "Good. A husband should be tended by his wife."

Chloe resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I'm looking after him as best I can. You saw that I offered the bond, but he said no."

Silya snorted. "You hurt him when you left. He is wary."

"What does that mean?"

Silya tipped her head toward Lucien's door. "I think that is a question better asked of your husband," she said. "Good night, Lady Castaigne. Send your sanctii if there is any trouble during the night. Otherwise, I will see you at breakfast." She shut the door, firmly leaving Chloe staring, standing alone in the corridor, cursing softly under her breath.

Husbands were complicated, marriages were complicated, and dealing with Andalyssian seers was complicated as well. She wanted a good night's sleep but wasn't sure she would get it in Lucien’s bed. No, she was more likely to lie awake, watching his chest rise and fall, as she'd done so many nights at Sanct de Sangre when he was recovering.

Oh well, at least that might give her more time to think of other things, like planning for Deandra or the troupe.

* * *

She moved swiftly about her room, gathering her nightgown and other bits and pieces. She removed the pearls she’d worn to the theater and then the chain with Lucien’s ring, too. For a moment she considered calling for a maid to help her change, but she didn't have a robe, and being caught in the hallway in just a nightgown would scandalize the locals. Instead, she carried the nightdress back to Lucien's room. As she entered, she caught him sitting up, bending forward and reaching for his booted foot.

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