Page 9 of Straw and Gold (A Realm of Revelry #2)

Morella

I dropped the fabric of my skirts in the silence that followed. So far, that was the nicest thing he’d said to me.

I cleared my throat, my heart hammering with a new tactic to hear more kind words from my husband’s lips. “I’ll admit, I’m exhausted after three days of travel.” I laughed lightly. “Would it be rude for us to retire a bit early?”

Looking relieved, he offered his arm. “I will escort you upstairs, then.”

Giddy at the prospect of getting him alone in our room, I quickly folded myself into his side, unable to deny how well we fit together.

Loud whistles and cheers followed us as we walked through the crowd.

I didn’t miss the wink from Captain Fedir, nor the scowl on my husband’s face.

He did smile occasionally on our stroll through our guests.

I caught each of his small grins, wondering what I could do to get him to smile like that at me.

The halls of the castle were well lit by the copper sconces along the stone walls. Servants and more than a few couples from our wedding darted in and out of rooms and dark corners of the castle.

He didn’t say a word, only led us toward the staircase that fed us to the long corridor where our room awaited. Excitement pumped through my veins.

This was my first night as a married woman.

Goddess, it had been what felt like centuries since I’d been touched by a man. Not that I expected him to touch me. More than likely, I’d guess he’d rather wait until we were more comfortable around each other.

But if he did want to touch me, I wouldn’t have a single hesitation.

My wings shifted of their own accord at the thought, the left one smacking him in the back of the head.

“Sorry,” I rushed, lifting my hand to pat his hair. “My wings have a mind of their own sometimes.”

He stopped in front of our door, rubbing his head. “It’s fine.” He opened the door with a copper key before pressing it into my hand and gestured for me to enter.

“Thank you.” I lifted my skirts and stepped inside, recognizing my large wooden trunk, still packed as I had requested.

“If there’s anything you need, pull this cord and a servant will be with you shortly,” he instructed. “I wish you a goodnight, Morella.”

He pulled on the door to shut it and I jammed my foot in the base. “Are you not tired?”

He cocked his head, nodding. “Not as exhausted as you, I’m sure, but yes, I will retire as well.”

Confused, I opened and shut my mouth. He moved to pull the door closed again, but again, I was in the way. “Do you have duties to attend to first?”

His confusion matched mine as he replied, “No…I will go straight to bed.”

I gestured behind me. “This is your bed.”

He peered around the door, speaking slowly. “That’s your bed.”

“And yours,” I amended, matching his tone.

“Morella, this is your room.” Turning, he pointed to the door across the hall. “Mine is here.”

“Yours is…” I stared dumbfounded, squinting at the door carved with flourishes and forest trees.

Killian coughed into his hand. “Well, goodnight.”

I removed my foot from the door, nodding in a daze. “Goodnight.”

The latch locked in a resounding click that seemed to echo through my head, and I was left alone on the night of my wedding.