CHAPTER NINETEENHyacinth
I smelled hyacinths in my sleep. Their scent drifted over me, filled with natural, satisfying pleasure. Colours splayed out below me as I flew in dreams of sunshine amid the buzzing of busy sisters. Pink, blue, yellow and brindle. A forest of beauty.
“Up, Estefania.” The clank of crockery drew a groan from my chest as Limah’s rough voice dragged me from sleep. He nudged my shoulder with his knee, standing over me like a vanquisher. “Wake up, Majesty.”
“No,” I bit and rolled onto my side. Pain radiated from every joint, forcing another moan from my throat. “Hurts.” I squeezed my eyes shut and exhaustion crawled through my muscles. The night lay behind me, all opportunity for sleep or escape wasted in futile attempts to regain entry into the hive and find the boy.
