“I will.”
A lump rises in my throat, and I try to clear it. When the silence becomes too much, I say, “It’s almost dusk. Mother said the evening meal will be just after dark.”
“Are you nervous?”
“I’m terrified.”
He squeezes my shoulder. “I’ll be with you.”
Tonight, he will be. But what about tomorrow? Or the day after that?
Together, we walk back to the manor, and I prepare myself to see Father. We reach the dining hall, but Father isn’t here.
“Where is he?” I ask Mother.
She only shakes her head and motions for us to sit.
The meal is no less than a feast, but I don’t care what the serving maids place in front of me. I absently thank the man who fills my goblet, hoping it appears I’m interested only for the sake of those who put so much effort into the preparations.
“Anwen,” Mother says when she sees I’m barely eating. “He just isn’t ready to see you.”
Her words slice through me.
Registering the look on my face, she clarifies, “He’s humiliated.”
I’m sure that’s not all, but I don’t press for more.
She frowns. “The kitchen girls have prepared your favorites.”
They’ve served seared goose with berry sauce, and the skin is dark and crispy, just how I like it. Surrounding the goose are whipped potatoes with dark, yellow butter, and an astounding assortment of vegetables, cheeses, bread,and pastries. It’s a ridiculous amount of food for only three people.
It’s a welcome home feast, and Father won’t join us for it.
I choke down as much as my stomach will allow and then ask to be excused.
“Forgive me for being a rude hostess,” I say to Galinor, hoping he understands.
He waves me away. “The ride to Primewood was long. You need rest.”
As I pass, he catches my hand, holding it for several moments before he sets me free.
My quarters are exactly as I left them. It’s like I was never gone. I undress quickly and crawl under the blankets. I’m exhausted, but I don’t sleep well.
After tossing and turning most of the night, I stare at the dark ceiling and drum my fingers against my stomach. Though I have no idea what time it is, I finally fling aside the covers and slip my bare feet into my boots.
Generally, when I have trouble sleeping, I go down to the kitchens and see if I can scrounge something from the evening meal, but tonight I don’t have food on my mind.
Milton, one of my father’s guards, is posted as a night watch in the entry hall. He stands by the stairway leading to my parent’s quarters. Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid him.
I clear my throat to announce my presence so I don’t startle him. “Milton?”
It doesn’t work. He jumps at the sound of my voice. “Your Ladyship.” He attempts to hide his surprise. “What are you doing up at this hour? Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” I bite my lip. “I want to speak with Mother.” He begins to shake his head, but I cut him off, “I’m sure she isn’t sleeping any better than I was.”
He thinks about it and then finally steps aside, letting me pass. I thank him and make the long walk to my parent’s rooms. I tap on the door, hoping they’re awake. When I receive no answer, I push the door open like I used to do when I was a child.
“Anwen?” Mother says, her shadowy form sitting up.
