The next morning, Nira rolled over to find the bed empty and cold.
Where was Elrath?
A dull ache settled in her chest.
"I'm here," came his voice from behind her. He stepped out of the closet, dressed in a dark ensemble that looked like the one he'd worn when he first arrived in Koetryr.
She exhaled, tension easing from her shoulders. "Are you going somewhere?"
He nodded. A frown flickered across his face before he forced a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Yeah. I'll be back as soon as possible."
How soon was that? Nira didn't want to be alone again. Was she even safe on her own?
She glanced at the window. The sky outside was still dark and heavy. The sun hadn't risen yet.
A corner of his mouth lifted. "You'll miss me. Is that it?"
She rolled her eyes. "Haha."
He bent slightly, catching her gaze. "You're safe, Nira. At least from anything outside this house. In any realm, you're safe." He paused. "Just... don't go anywhere."
She scoffed. He didn't need to tell her that after what happened last night.
"I don't exactly love Virun, Elrath. Staying inside won't be difficult."
He chuckled, and the sound made something in her chest twist.
"Do you feel that?" she asked quietly, suddenly aware of it.
Her fingers gripped the soft satin sheets. The brush of the fabric against her fingers was soothing.
"No," he said, "but I can tell. It's temporary. And I know it's confusing, but don't go thinking you're falling for me."
His dry laugh made her laugh too. Yeah, it was ridiculous. Wasn't it?
"It's definitely Stockholm syndrome."
His eyes drifted to her lips before meeting her eyes again.
"Sure."
He straightened.
The cold air bit at her skin.
"You're being awfully nice to me," she muttered.
He shrugged. "I didn't get to choose this marriage either, so cut me some slack. I didn't want to be nice."
Nira bit her bottom lip to keep from saying something sharp.
"You can say it," he added. "I was mean."
She lifted a shoulder. She couldn't argue with that.
But could she blame him?
"Here. Take this."
He held out a necklace—silver chain, green pendant. It glowed faintly.
"Wear it always. As long as you have it on, no poison or spell should harm you."
"Really?"
He nodded.
Elrath turned toward the door, then paused. "Nira?"
"Yeah?"
"I don't mean to scare you, but no matter what you hear about me—or anyone—don't leave the house. Not even if the Queen herself commands it. Promise me."
"What—"
"Please." His back was still to her, but she could feel it in his voice.The urgency, desperation. The fear.
"I promise, Elrath."