Word Count: 2023

~Lavelle

Zyre and I tended to my father all night.

We didn't take turns like we planned. Each time I woke, Zyre would be at his bedside, helping him cough into a cloth. He would insist I return to bed, but I couldn't. I sat with him, watching him adeptly tend to my father like a trained physician.

In the quiet hours of the early morning, I didn't dare ask where he learnt what he knows. We were barely speaking above a hushed whisper.

Now, I stir in bed, stifling a yawn behind my hand.

I'm utterly exhausted, and a little hungover. Morning sunlight cuts through my threadbare curtains, a strip draping right over my face as I lay in bed, above the covers.

I can hear Neela tending to my father outside the room. I allow myself a moment to melt back into the bed, wondering if I could risk a few more moments of sleep...

Zyre.

My eyes jump open. Twisting my head, I see him sprawled on the bed next to me, also atop the covers. He's shirtless, his black trousers from the party the night before slung low on his hips.

At least I found a chance to change into comfier clothing last night. But him...

He's utterly beautiful. His naked torso is a sight to behold. For a nobleman, he's extremely well built, with a firm abdomen and carved chest. A single tattoo of a flame cuts across the left side of his ribs, stealing my attention for a moment.

I lean up on my elbows so I can get a better look at him.

He slumbers peacefully, dark lashes fanning against his cheeks. His hair is mussed, raining over his forehead and eyes, one arm draped above his head.

We're so close. I'm an engaged woman, and there's an otherworldly male in my small double bed. He's so large he takes up most of the space, albeit unintentionally.

It's wrong, but he's so easy to look at, to admire. His beauty is unparalleled...

Dare I say, even Avi cannot compare.

Which is why Zyre is so dangerous.

I force myself up, taking each movement slowly so as not to wake him. He doesn't stir as I pad from the room and to where Neela is hunched, stoking the fire.

When she looks up at me over her shoulder, she's immediately grinning.

"He is possibly the most handsome male I've ever seen," she says in a hushed voice.

I laugh softly under my breath. I've never heard her speak this way before, which means Zyre has thoroughly tempted her. I suppose I can't blame her for admiration...not when she isn't wrong, exactly.

"He's...fine looking."

She rises, fingers stained with charcoal. At least she looks well rested despite me keeping her here later than usual last night.

"Beautiful and attentive? What more can a lady want?" She nudges me with her elbow.

"Possibly her sanity, which he could not afford her," I mumble, stifling a yawn as I step into the kitchen area, which is connected to the rest of the room.

She settles at my small table, nursing the tea she made for herself earlier. "Why would anyone need sanity with a male like that? I would happily lose my mind with him."

"He's in my bed right now." I point to the door. "I'm sure he would be happy to wake to a pretty face."

She grins over the up of her tea cup as I prepare my breakfast.

"Go on then," she taunts.

I stiffen. "Me? I meant you."

I can't allow myself to think about Zyre like that. What he looks like doesn't matter —  it's the secrets slumbering in the depths of his mind that do. Even if I weren't being courted, I wouldn't even allow myself a single night with him.

Because I don't think it would be enough.

"He rushed in to tend to your father. If he wishes to be woken to anyone's face, it's going to be yours," she claims knowingly, steam wafting around her delicate features.

I stir my porridge on the stove, exhaling slowly. I can't explain Zyre's willingness to help my father, and that bothers me. He spent the entire carriage ride home trying to convince me to break off my engagement, only to spend the night in my home...

In my bed.

"I'm engaged, Neela. To Alpha Avi." It's reminder to myself as much as it is to her.

She purses her lips, her attention drifting out the foggy living room window. Morning has breathed light into the air, making the dew on my back lawn glisten and wink like fine jewels.

"May I speak frankly, Lavelle?"

I flick the stove off, pouring my breakfast into a bowl. "Of course."

"I've heard some things, about our Alpha." She takes a slow sip of her tea, not meeting my eyes. "My friend worked as a maid there a while ago. She had overheard some things."

I frown. "Like what?"

"She heard that his family is in great debt. It has caused significant strain within the palace, with Avi even being known to lose his temper on members of staff."

The spoon in my hand clatters into the sink, next to the pot I've been cleaning. I stare at Neela, at her reserved sitting position and averted gaze. She isn't pleased to be telling me this.

"Well...Nothing has demonstrated to me that he is in debt. Perhaps time has passed and the situation has been dealt with." My voice sounds tight as I say it. "As for his temper..."

Neela stands abruptly. "Listen, my friend has a tendency to exaggerate. I'm sure that isn't the case."

I swallow, suddenly less interested in my breakfast than before.

What if her friend is right? What if Avi is in debt. But if so, why would he marry me, a commoner? Would he not seek a marriage bond with a far wealthier female? And as for his temper, I've never seen such a thing. In fact, I've always remarked upon his incredible patience.

But I have been a fool before.

I approach Neela, taking her hands in mind. They are cold to the touch, trembling a little.

"Thank you for bringing this to me, whether it is true or not." I smile gently. "Now, from this day forth, I will be tripling your pay. You can stay here in my absence with your daughter as much as you prefer, and I shall visit and help as often as I can manage."

I'll speak to Avi as soon as I can. I have to hope he will understand and allow me to bring my father into the palace to receive care.

Neela flushes. "I can't accept that."

"Of course you can, and you will," I insist. "I should have always paid you more, and now that I am able, I will. Your daughter deserves the world, and so do you."

She embraces me tightly, crushing her lithe frame into me. She has been the only person I've ever trusted with my secret, and I want to give her everything that I can.

When she pulls away, her eyes are damp with tears. "I best go tend to your father."

I nod, watching her go.

For a moment, I stand in the kitchen, contemplating whether I want to eat my breakfast or not. I let my attention drift down to the ring on my finger, before my hand tightens into a fist.

Zyre is still slumbering when I enter the room. I lean over him, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating off his half naked form.

I lay my hand on his shoulder, giving it a little shake. "Zyre."

He stirs, eyes fluttering open. The barest crease forms on his forehead as he regards me silently for a moment, gathering his bearings. I remain still, hyper-aware of his bare chest and Neela's words from earlier.

"Lavelle," he murmurs indulgently, his voice slow and thick from sleep.

He reaches for me, grasping my wrist before giving me a little tug, trying to draw me closer.

I balk, frowning. "Is Avi in debt?"

He startles, clarity chasing the fog of sleep from his eyes. "What?"

I let him sit up. He rubs his face then pulls his hand through his hair, disrupting the messy locks from where they had been perfectly sat. I probably shouldn't have woken him with such a fierce accusation after he got such little sleep, but I am singularly focused on this.

"Is Avi in debt? Neela told me she has heard a rumour."

He sighs roughly. "You woke me from a particularly nice dream, Lavelle."

I straighten, folding my arms over my chest. "What was it about?"

He pauses, gaze slowly shifting down my form. It's a slow, languorous perusal that takes in every angle and curve of my body, as if I'm not wearing old clothing that is a size too big for me.

"Best not to say." His eyes flick back to mine, dark and rich like fine whisky.

"Well?" I tap my foot impatiently.

He goes to stand from bed, but I hold my hand out. He isn't going to evade my questioning, regardless of how early it is for it.

He gives me a sharp look. "Avi's men will be here at any moment to collect your personal belongings. Shall I explain to you what will be assumed if I'm found in this state, in your bed?"

I watch him gesture down his front, at his undressed form. I immediately step out of his way, deciding that is not a conversation I wish to have with Avi.

"As for the debt issue, why do you presume I know?" He brushes past me, collecting his shirt from where he left it atop my dresser.

"Well, do you?"

A muscle in his jaw ticks as he looks at me. "Would it change anything if I said yes?"

I consider that silently. Would it? I'm keeping secrets from Avi, so how could I judge him for doing the same? Perhaps he is ashamed, embarrassed. I know the feeling.

"Perhaps I can forgive the debt. But what of how he treats his staff? Is he unkind to them?" I ask.

That is something I could not forgive. I will not tie myself to a male who is deeply unkind. Especially to those who are below him in station.

Zyre shrugs his shirt on, doing up each button. It slowly conceals the muscled expanse of his front, which is a shame. He is so easy to look at.

"I don't know how he speaks to his staff. I spend so little time in his presence," he admits. "If I am being honest, I've heard of no such thing."

That wasn't what I was hoping for exactly.

Reading the conflict on my face, his gaze softens. He does up the last button before standing before me. I stay perfectly still as he takes my hand, raising it.

"Don't marry him," he murmurs intently, clasping the engagement ring between his fingers, making to pull it off. "Flee, and I will find you soon."

I shake my head, pulling my hand from his grasp. He regards me sadly, but it is clear my reaction doesn't surprise him.

"Stop asking that of me," I whisper. It's not a decision I can make easily.

I have real feelings for Avi. I can feel myself falling for him, and despite all that has been said, I want a life with him.

Zyre leans close, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. His hair brushes against me, his breath tickling my skin.

When he pulls back, his expression has hardened. "Don't say, Lavelle, that I didn't warn you."

🧡••🧡

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