Page 14 of Esperance

Her heart squeezed. “I love you, too.”

The words felt painfully final, but there was nothing else to say. Rix gave her a short nod and strode from the room.

The female cleric who had been waiting in the hall offered a tentative smile. “Are you ready to go to your new rooms?”

In no way was Amryn ready, but there was no point in lingering. She couldn’t avoid her new husband forever—much as she wanted to.

She followed the woman into the corridor, and they made their way toward the large stone staircase that ascended to the next floor. They passed a few servants and several guards. Their presence made Amryn’s skin tighten. “Are there usually so many guards?” she asked.

“Not usually, but the emperor insisted that the high cleric guard Esperance well while you’re all here.”

Considering what had happened at the wedding feast, it wasn’t a bad idea. But an increase in guards could prove an obstacle if the rebels wanted Amryn to sneak around the temple. That was a worry for another day, though.

Her long green skirt trailed behind her on the steps as they climbed, and Amryn noted that they hadn’t seen any of the other couples. When she asked if they’d all share the same wing, the cleric shook her bald head. “Not all of you, no. The high cleric thought it would be best to grant you some space and privacy, so you are spread over three wings. You’ll be given a tour tomorrow.”

Amryn nodded, but made no other response as they entered a long corridor and came to a stop before two large, intricately carved wooden doors. The cleric prodded them open. “Welcome to your room,” she said, gesturing for Amryn to enter.

The suite was larger than the temporary rooms she and Rix had shared; the sitting room alone was quite grand. A brightly colored rug sectioned off the chairs and settees that created a visiting space. Threads of vivid red, green, yellow, and blue patterned the rug, and were repeated in the tapestries that hung on the wall. Vibrant potted flowers and dark green fronds were scattered around the room. Carved stone columns bracketed a balcony, but while the double doors stood open, there was a fine netting cast over the doorway—no doubt to keep the insects out. Perhaps it also deterred the monkeys she could hear, screeching and chattering nearby. Every lamp in the room was lit, and the windows and balcony revealed the jungle beyond, its emerald hue slowly being overtaken by the shadow of coming night.

Everything about this place—the décor, the smells, the sounds of the jungle, the heavy air that clung to her skin—it all screamed that she was far from home, and the homesickness hurt far more than she would ever admit.

“The bedroom is just down the hall,” the cleric said from her place near the doors. “You’ll find all of your belongings there, along with a washroom. If you’re in need of anything at any time, simply pull the bell here, by the doors, and a servant will be alerted.” Her eyes darted behind Amryn. “Ah! Your maid is ready to attend you.”

Amryn turned and spotted a middle-aged woman emerge from the short hall. Her long black hair was bound in a tight braid that hung over one shoulder, and her skin was a rich brown. She wore a simple gray dress, and she had some lines around her eyes and mouth, but her gaze was friendly as she bobbed a curtsy. “Lady Vincetti, it’s an honor to serve you. I’m Ahmi, and I’ll be your maid during your stay at Esperance.”

Amryn only managed a nod before the female cleric asked the maid, “Is General Vincetti here?”

“No,” Ahmi said. “I believe he’s still with the emperor and Prince Argent.”

“Ah.” The cleric clasped her hands in front of her. “Well, I’m sure he’ll be along soon.” She turned to Amryn. “The high cleric is holding a breakfast tomorrow for all of you at seven bells. Is there anything else you require before I leave?” When Amryn shook her head, the cleric beamed. “Very well. Have a pleasant night, Lady Vincetti.”

Unlikely.

Her throat was dry as she watched the cleric leave, and then she faced Ahmi.

The maid’s smile was soft. “I’m sure you must be exhausted after such a long day. I’ve prepared some tea that will help revive you a little, if you’d like.”

“Thank you,” she said, accepting the kindness. Maybe the hot tea would help settle her nerves, or bolster her. If nothing else, it would give her shaking hands something to hold.

She followed Ahmi back into the large bedroom, which was dominated by a wide four-poster bed. The quilt was done in shades of turquoise, gold, and cream, which matched the rug on the floor and the curtains that hung beside the darkening windows. Lamps glowed on the bedside tables as well as atop the long, dark wood dresser. Her trunks were stacked in a corner, next to unfamiliar trunks that must belong to Carver. In the opposite corner, a dressing table with a large mirror stood waiting for her, the cushioned chair pulled out and a variety of perfumes, brushes, and combs set out.

It was a beautiful room, but even though it held some of her things, it didn’t feel like hers. She’d had to leave most of her belongings in Ferradin; clothes, keepsakes, books—her cello. None of it was practical for her time in Esperance, but she was wishing now that she’d found a way to bring more of home with her.

The tea tray waited on a low table. Ahmi deftly poured a cup and passed it over.

The next half hour was a blur. Amryn sipped her tea while Ahmi prepared her for the evening, and soon she was seated before the mirror with an empty cup and wearing a long white nightdress that was sheer beneath her blue silk wrapper. Her wrists, arms, neck, and legs had been carefully perfumed, and her lips had been painted a dark shade of red. Her riotous curls—made even more unruly by the jungle’s humidity—flowed over her shoulders and back, loose and free from the pins that had constrained them all day.

“You are beautiful,” Ahmi told her.

Amryn’s cheeks burned as she eyed herself in the mirror. She remembered when Rose and Elsie had packed her trunk in Ferradin, and she’d glimpsed this nightgown. The sight of it then had made her eyes widen, but that moment was nothing compared to the panic she felt now while wearing it.

She’d never been intimate with a man. She’d never even been kissed by one. She’d never allowed anyone that close, because she had far too much to lose. Vulnerability flared in her chest, and she had to remind herself to breathe.

Ahmi took a step back. “I’ve unpacked most of your things, and I’ll do the rest tomorrow. Is there anything else you require tonight?”

Amryn shook her head, and Ahmi quietly excused herself.

The moment the maid closed the bedroom door, Amryn stood, turning her back on the mirror.

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