Aftermyshower,Idressed in the clothes Silas had laid out for me. The same prison attire as before. I clicked my tongue as I examined it. I guess I shouldn’t have expected another one of his wife’s garments.
I got dressed, wincing at the pain, and sat back on the bed.
What am I supposed to do now?
At least Silas had left my cuffs off. I sighed as my eyes surveyed the room.
I guess it wouldn’t hurt to explore.
I stood again and made my way to the walnut dresser that stood across from the bed. The top was pretty vacant, as this fort was only used by the Prince in between battles. I located a brush and a hair tie on the dresser, presumably Erabella’s, and brushed out the knots I had before putting my long, damp hair back in a braid. It fell just below my waist.
I hesitated but opened the first drawer and lifted a lacy red pair of underwear, the matching bra still lying inside.
I guess itwouldhurt to explore.
I jumped as the door opened, dropping Erabella’s garments and quickly shutting the drawer, but not in enough time for Roland to miss what I was doing.
He chuckled and leaned against the door frame, then smirked while he crossed his arms. “Damn, Lena, of all things I would expect to see you doing in here, I was not expecting a panty raid.”
I rolled my eyes and groaned, plopping myself back on the bed. “What do you want, Roland?” I asked in a tone laced with displeasure.
He sauntered over to me. I expected another smart-ass comment, but when I looked up at him, he just wore a frown. “I came to see how you were doing. And,” he said as he held out a pair of cuffs, giving me a guilty smile, “to put these on.”
“Pfft. Whatever.” I looked down at my lap. I suppose Silas wouldn’t trust me like this forever.
Roland gently grasped my chin, tipping my face to him, and my stomach dropped, the gesture taking me by surprise. His hazel eyes studied me, looking over all my wounds. He just shook his head as he dropped mine. “I’m happy that fucker is dead,” he said coldly.
“Wasn’t he your friend?” I mumbled, holding my wrists out.
He scoffed as he placed one on each wrist, leaving them separate, thankfully. “Friend? Don’t insult me. We both are higher-ranking soldiers, but that’s about all we have in common. He’s been a piece of shit the entire time I’ve known him.”
I remained silent, observing my now bound wrists.
“I’m sorry this happened to you, Lena,” he said softly.
“What are you doing?” I challenged, shooting my glare at him. “You’re marching me to my death. Don’t go acting like you give a shit about my well-being.”
He crossed his arms, and I took note of his massive biceps in the navy-blue tunic he wore today. “Last I checked, Ginger Snap, I am not the King. I don’t make orders; I follow them.”
“I didn’t peg you as such a beta,” I said with a condescending sneer.
He tilted his head back and laughed, then grinned at me. I didn’t smile back.
“Are you hungry?”
“What?” I asked with furrowed brows.
“I’ll grab you some food. Something that isn't disgusting prison slop. But—” he smirked. “You have to say please.”
“Like hell I’ll begyoufor anything,” I retorted.
His eyes lit up with excitement, and I couldn’t help but be attracted to his expression. I wanted to slap myself for feeling anything but disgust for this man.
“I plan on holding you to that,” he purred, then headed for the door.
Cocky bastard.
I decided to lie in bed, as there wasn’t much that I could do being locked in this room. I certainly didn’t want to see any more of Silas’s wife’s lingerie. I simply stared at the metal wrapped around my wrist.
