Page 322 of Kingdoms of Night

Two strong hands stabilize me. My vision's blurry, but I recognize the woman in charge of my surveillance, Iara.

I want to thank her, but I'm afraid if I attempt talking, I'll spew all over her. Besides, I'm still naked. Speaking to a stranger while completely bare is too shameful.

She's seen you do worse than speak.

I remember what happened the last time I thanked someone here and I'm glad the state of my stomach prevented me from messing up again.

Bile rises once more. Because I must, hands firmly on my mouth, I blurt out, "Bathroom?" The tub is still in the middle of the chamber, but they must have some toilets somewhere. Do the fae use the toilet? I don't know. I don't know anything at all about what they are.

She gestures to a door at the opposite end of the large room, and I half run, half stumble to it.

Finding a porcelain seat set into carved marble, I lean over it and let myself throw up the bile that had clogged my throat.

I've never been hungry like this. I could pass out on the bathroom floor.

When I'm sure my body's done with its disgusting affair, I sit on the toilet, do my business, and approach the sink to drink. The water somewhat soothes my burning insides, though my stomach still mumbles in need.

I set out to wash.I'm surprised to find that the plumbing somehow also provides me with hot water, rather than the cold tap I'm accustomed to. I take my time, cleaning up my skin step by step.

"There are servants for that."

I practically jump before turning toward the low, sensual voice. It's closer than I thought.

Castov leans against the bathroom, unabashedly looking at me.

I flush all over. "I can clean myself."

Truth be told, I've often been helped by servants who've washed my back or my hair for me, but I'm not about to request a maid when I can't even have food or clothing.

Part of me wants to ask him to turn around or leave, but I know better. His orders are to stay with me, and he'll do just that. I don't doubt Dryan's decision was twofold: he wants me watched to ensure I won't repeat yesterday's attempt to end my life, but he also aims to vex me by submitting me to this constant scrutiny under which I'm allowed no modesty.

"What's wrong with you?" the man asks with a confused frown.

He's staring at my stomach. At first, I wonder if he finds it malformed because I don't have visible muscle definition like the rest of them. My body's not large by any stretch of the imagination, but I am somewhat soft, especially compared to the folk. Then, I hear the growl coming from inside me. "I'm hungry," I reply, defensive.

Why wouldn't I be? They've starved me for two traumatizing days.

His black eyes widen, and he grimaces. "Hasn't it occurred you that you should ask for food?"

I blink. No, it hasn't, actually. "I can't even have a dress."

The fae rolls his eyes, which I find comforting. He looks almost human, for a moment. "You don't need a dress. You need food to survive, and the king wants you alive."

"Oh." When he puts it that way, it makes sense.

I assumed they were purposely starving me, but come to think of it, I haven't seen anyone eat in my time here.

Castov claps his hands together once and two short, stout men stumble forward. One has moss-green skin and the other's dark as ebony, with flowing purple hair. He tells them to bring food for me, and they bow before disappearing, barely sparing me a glance. A relief.

"Your kind don't need to eat?"

He sighs, visibly bored of me. "Of course we eat." He shrugs and eventually adds, "Less than mortals, however. Far less, if you're in such a state after a few days."

No wonder they're impossibly slender. "We eat four times a day. In the morning, mid-day, a little snack in the afternoon, and a light supper at night." Ihesitate. "Well, maybe not everyone eats as much as all that." I've rarely felt the need to take any sustenance in the afternoon, though high tea is more a polite society affair. "But at least two times, if not three."

Castov grimaces again. "What an inconvenience. It's a wonder your kind has time to do anything at all."

I walk back into the bedroom, and he follows. I noticeIara standing sentry next to the broken window.

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