“From what I understand, many did as requested.” His stare was grim. “Some did not, and they met an unfortunate end.”
That wasn’t something I would stress over. “We are giving them a chance. That’s more than many of them would have given us.”
Kieran nodded. “A Descenter, I think her name is Helenea? Not sure. But anyway, she went to Emil and warned him about the tunnels and how the Ascended use them to travel during the day,” he told me. We expected that, but it was still good to know that we had supporters here in the city willing to help. “Hisa is leading a group into them now.”
I felt myself nodding as my hand clenched at my side.
“I know it’s hard,” Kieran said. “Not being out there while our people are taking risks. It’s hard for me, but you need to be here.”
“We need to be here.” I forced my hand to relax. “Any news on Malik?”
“Not yet.”
Gods, where the fuck was he? Wherever Millicent was, which was anyone’s guess. I didn’t doubt that Naill would eventually track his ass down, but I hoped it was sooner rather than later. That would be one less thing to worry about. At least for now.
“Your father and the others were likely delayed at Padonia, but they will be here,” Kieran said. “You should rest, Cas.”
“Have you rested?”
“We’re not talking about me.”
I smirked. “I did rest. While you were gone.” I picked up Poppy’s hand. Her skin was still cold. “I fell asleep for an hour or so. I didn’t walk in her dreams.”
“That’s not why I’m saying you should sleep.”
“I know.” I brought her hand up and pressed a kiss to her palm. “I’m fine.” I found his gaze. “You?”
He nodded. The thing was, though, if either of us managed to sleep more than an hour or two, it wouldn’t be restful. Not until Poppy woke up. Not until we knew.
“When was the Rite?” Kieran asked. “From that point in your story?”
“Hell. About…two days, I think.” I tipped my head back, delving into my memories of that time. “Miss Willa.”
Kieran’s brows rose.
I looked down at Poppy. “Her diary.” My lips split into a smile. “But there was also the meeting with you.” I briefly glanced at Kieran. “And the night before that.”
HOT, HEAVY WANTING
I strode forward, entering Penellaphe’s chambers before her after her evening stroll. The space was empty and chilled despite the crackling flames in the fireplace.
“Will you also be checking beneath the bed?” Penellaphe asked as I crossed the chamber. “Or in the bathing chamber?”
Grinning, I nudged open the door to that exact room. “I’m very thorough when it comes to my duty, Princess.”
“Uh-huh.” She clasped her hands loosely in front of her. “There’s no one here but us.”
One quick glance at the darkened bathing chamber confirmed as much. Not that I expected anyone to be in here. It was just the perfect excuse to ask her a few questions in private and spend some time with her.
I faced her, noting that she’d partially closed the chamber door, leaving it open a scant few inches. Which meant no one would be able to see inside the chamber unless they put some effort into it. The door was supposed to be left open, and each time it had been closed, I did it. This was progress.
“Your chambers are always so cold.” I went to the fireplace and picked up the poker.
“I never noticed that,” she replied dryly.
“I imagine it’s those windows.” I nodded in their direction as I knelt by the hearth. “The stone around them is degrading.”
“I suppose that is one of the many causes. There are many drafty sections along the outer wall.” Her veiled head tipped back as she looked. “The high ceilings also don’t help, but I like them—the height. It makes the chamber seem more…spacious.”
I was sure she did when she spent most of her time in here. I moved the logs around, creating air pockets. “There must be more spacious chambers in the newer wings of the castle.”
“There are.”
I looked over my shoulder at her. She’d inched closer. “Is there a reason they would place you, the Chosen child of the gods, in the most decrepit part of the castle?”
Penellaphe’s lips twisted in a wry grin. “They didn’t.” She moved a few more inches toward me. “I did.”
That hadn’t been the answer I’d expected. “And why would you choose that?”
One white-draped shoulder rose. “I just prefer the older wing.”
I stoked the flames, taking stock of the chamber once more. The narrow door by the windows, the one I was sure led to the old servants’ staircase. The corners of my lips tipped up. “That seems like an odd preference.”
“Perhaps.” She was quiet for a moment. “Your chambers? They are in this wing also?”
“Do you ask because you’d like to visit?” I placed the poker aside.
The lower half of her cheeks pinked. “That was not why I was asking.”
“You sure?” I teased, damn well knowing it wasn’t the reason, but I enjoyed the flush creeping along the lower half of her face. “It’s okay if it was.”
Her chin rose. “It wasn’t.”
“I wouldn’t mind at all.” Waking to her would be an unexpected delight, unlike what had occurred with Britta.
“Forget I even asked,” she muttered.
I chuckled, also enjoying her quick-to-surface ire. “Yes, my chambers are a floor below.” Brushing my hands on my pants, I rose. “Though the ceiling is not as high as your chambers, nor is it as cold.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I mean that your chambers are comfortable.” Her clasped fingers relaxed, even as the skin beneath her veil continued to deepen in color. “Do you still have your quarters at the dorm?”
I nodded.
“Do you stay at them?” The hem of her white robes glided silently over the stone as she came forward. “I don’t think Vikter stays at his often.”
“I haven’t since I became your servant.”
“You’re not my servant,” she quickly corrected.
“But I am here to serve you.” I tilted my head, watching the lower half of her face closely. The skin there. Her mouth. “In whatever way necessary.”
Penellaphe huffed out a noise that almost sounded like a laugh. “You are my guard, not my servant. You serve as my protection and…”
“And?”
“And you serve as a source of irritation.”
I laughed deeply. “You wound me yet again, Princess.”
“Doubtful.” There was a twitch to her lips as if she were fighting a smile. “And don’t call me that.”
I grinned at her. “I was disappointed this evening, by the way.”
“By what?” She’d stopped coming closer. The gold chains of her veil twinkled in the lamplight.
“I hoped you would ask to take a walk in the garden.”