Page 81 of Where Darkness Falls

For once, the screams of those I’ve ended don’t plague my slumber because I only hear her.

For once, I don’t loathe my dreams.

Knock!Knock! Knock!

I roll over with a groan, annoyed at whomever is waking me from the deepest sleep I’ve had in years. I don’t even remember if a nightmare graced me last night in my comatose state. I’m assuming not since my heart rate isn’t spiking at the moment.

Perhaps I should try staying awake for three days straight more often if it keeps the nightmares at bay.

How long have I been asleep?

I look at the light gray seeping through the large balcony windows of the chambers I was given. I must admit that the room is quite lovely. The bed is adorned in a dark maroon canopy that overlays the iron framing rods. The bedding is also a dark maroon with intricate golden details woven into the design. Along the corners of the room sit beautiful vases with Arabian Night dahlias that remind me of The Violet Lily.The maids were kind enough to leave me to sleep after a much-needed bath, but I still found myself staring at the arrangements—thinking of the life and family that I miss—as I drifted off to sleep.

Knock! Knock!

I bury my head under the soft feather pillow.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“For the good of all that is holy in Celestae, just enter already and stop knocking!” I yell.

“Well, good morning to you too, Rosey,” a rich voice calls from the doorway.

“High General,” I groan. “Go away.”

“I assumed that you’d be bright-eyed this morning, considering you’ve slept almost an entire day,” he replies.

I come out from underneath the pillow and glance where Emyr rests his large frame against the door, already dressed in his armor and helmet.

Why must he wear that infuriating armor every bloody day?

“High General, did I really sleep through an entire day?” I jest.

“Yes,” he replies. “I came to check on you when dinner was served, and you were snoring so loudly that I could hear you in the corridor.”

My lips curl into a sneer. “I don’t snore!” I retort.

Emyr points to his armored jaw. “The dried drool on your chin would suggest otherwise,” he deadpans.

My hand flies up to my chin, and I’m quite perturbed that the bloke isn’t lying. I dip my face down so he hopefully doesn’t witness the heat crawling along my entire face. He chuckles at my expense, which only further infuriates me.

“What do you want?” I snap. “Is there a reason for you to be here at this moment?”

“I’ve come to inform you that breakfast will be brought to you shortly. You’re to eat and get dressed. I’ll be back to escort you to meet the king around midday,” he says.

I’m going to be sick.

Not on those lovely sheets, you’re not,Saoirse scolds.

Stay out of my thoughts,I reply.

In the comfort of this bed, I almost forgot why I’m here. King Tiernan brought me to the palace—not out of the kindness of his heart, but for some purpose I don’t yet know.

“What does he desire from me?” I inquire.

“That is unclear to me,” he says quickly.

I tilt my head. “Would you tell me if you knew?”