Damn her heart…
Saeris’s back pressed harder against the door. She hadn’t expected to find him here, not after the mess that passed for a conversation that morning.
“What are you doing here?”
Not exactly the line she'd rehearsed in her head, but it would do since her voice didn't shake, a small mercy.
“I searched for you, twice.” She could smell it now: dark, biting liquor clinging to his skin … he’d enjoyed it, clearly, because someone else’s scent curled beneath his own. She tried not to hate it.
Vaelen’s eyes dragged over her.
“None of them were you in your room.”
“So I went for a walk.” Flat, cold. “That’s allowed, isn’t it? Or have you decided I need a leash now, too?”
Vaelen let out a sound, half groan, half query. “So,” he drawled, “where has this free woman been?”
“The
