chapter 9

I sat alone at the far end of the dining hall, the golden glow of the chandelier reflecting off the polished mahogany table. Dishes lined the surface,roasted pheasant, glazed carrots, wild mushroom soup, honeyed bread rolls, and a jug of berry wine.

I had invited Lila to dinner.

I’m still not sure what I was thinking. Maybe it was Ragner’s words earlier. Maybe it was guilt.

Or maybe something else I couldn’t admit.

All I knew was,I couldn’t stand seeing her in pain.

The two large wooden doors creaked open, and Lila entered with Clawdia, her new maid.

She wore a simple blue gown, her hair swept up in a style that made her features look even more radiant.

She looked nothing like the broken girl I’d seen on the cold floor of the dark room.

She walked quietly, every step careful and guarded.

“Sit,” I said, pointing to the chair across from me.

She obeyed without a word.

I watched her closely. She didn’t touch the food at first, though I could tell she was starving.

“Are you not hungry?” I