SOPHIA

"This is Alara," said Nathan as a tall woman with striking looks entered the bedroom. "She designed the dress I sent to you as a wedding gift. She’s from the Western Realm."

"It was beautiful," I said. "It’s unfortunate it got shredded to bits in the airship crash."

"You got shredded to bits," said Nathan. "Clothing is replaceable. You are not."

Alara wore a gold pant suit that shimmered in the sunlight streaming through the windows. She wore a gold and black headscarf, big dangly earrings, and gold bracelets that jangled as she moved around the room.

"Eyes like gems. Hair like silk. Skin like cream." Alara tapped her lips as she considered me. "I bet that purple color looked amazing on you."

"I have the jewelry," I said suddenly. I looked at Nathan. "You sent it, didn’t you?"

"Yes. I hoped it would help you remember." He sat on the bed next to me, took my hand, and pressed his lips against my knuckles. "I’m glad your memories are back. Are you still having headaches? Do you have pain anywhere?"

"Dr. Rhine already checked me out," I said. "Remember?"

"Nathan, you’re in the way. I need to take her measurements." She clapped her hands. The door to the bedroom popped open and in came people carrying boxes and bags, others bringing in clothes on wheeled racks, and others ... well, I didn’t know what their purpose was.

I felt a little guilty. I had already asked Tilda to give me a new wardrobe, and here was Nathan doing the same thing.

Oh, well. I guess a woman couldn’t have too many clothes.

"Nathan," said Alara again, making shooing motions. "I need her to stand up. We have lots to do. And you are in the way."

"Work around me," he stated, putting his arm around my shoulders. "I’m not leaving."

"Nathan, it’s fine. Really."

"It’s not. I just got you back, and I refuse to separate from you."

Alara’s threw her hands up. "Fine! Just move out of the way so I can have access to my client. Why don’t you go over there and do whatever Dukes do?" She pointed to the desk. "She’ll be within your sight at all times."

"Unless I need to go to the restroom," I said, just to tease him.

"Don’t think I won’t go with you," he muttered. He got close to my ear and whispered, "You’re being naughty."

A thrill went through me, settling in my belly like ball lightning. I don’t know why his words created that kind of reaction. Heat rushed to my face and I put my hands against my cheeks.

Nathan chuckled, kissed my forehead, and then allowed himself to be shooed to the desk on the other side of the room. He didn’t even pretend that he was going to work. He sat in the chair, his gaze on me like he was afraid I would disappear.

"Are you going to the Governor’s Ball tomorrow night?" asked Alara as she took out the measuring tape.

I scooted from the bed and stood up, following her directions as she measured parts of my body.

"Is that a me question or him question?" I asked.

"Him."

"If Sophia wants to attend, we will. Since it’s a masked ball, we don’t have to reveal our identities." Nathan watched Alara with eagle eyes. "Do you have an appropriate dress for her if we do go?"

"Yes. This beautiful little fairy will make any of my creations shine." Alara moved to the center of the room and clapped her hands. "People! It’s time to make the magic happen!"

***|***|***

SOPHIA

By the time Alara left, I had five outfits, much like the purple one I’d worn to the Hunter’s Ball, two pairs of heels, a pair of boots (I insisted), a new cape, a new jacket, and several pieces of lovely jewelry that would go with any of my new clothes.

Alara promised to send more garments for me in the next two weeks. Between these new clothes and what Tilda was making for me, I would be covered (ha, ha).

"Are you tired?" asked Nathan. We sat on the bed together. He was rubbing my shoulders. If I was a cat, I would be purring right now. He pressed his thumbs into the knots in my shoulders and I moaned.

He paused, then leaned close to my ear and said, "Those little sounds you’re making are weakening my resolve. I want to marry you, Sophia. I won’t take your body before then. But I’m not made of stone."

"How soon can I divorce Jace?" I leaned against his shoulder. "What about the lawyer? Can he handle the divorce?"

"Yes. But we need leverage to force Jace to comply. Hune is digging up the secrets that bind the two of you together. I don’t know what sins the Willowmarches committed that allowed your parents to have their handle, but it can’t be a small matter."

"The Pagemoores and Willowmarches have been friends for decades. Even before I was born. When did these mysterious secrets take place?" I blew out a frustrated breath. "This is driving me crazy."

"I think my little butterfly needs some sleep."

"A snack," I said. "Then sleep."

He yanked the bell pull and when a servant arrived he asked for cookies and warm milk. The servant returned with the cookies and milk rather quickly.

"I’m not a child," I said as I took a cookie from the plate. "I can have grown-up snacks."

"Who doesn’t love a cookie? Here, drink your milk."

I finished two cookies and the glass of milk. I felt replete enough to sleep, so I crawled under the covers. "My parents don’t know I’m in the Capital, but if they hear about what happened at Amaranth Manor, they’ll be worried enough to check on me."

"Leave that to me, Sophia. I’ll take care of everything." He dropped a kiss on my forehead, a habit he seemed to be forming, and stroked my hair. "Try to sleep. I’ll join you soon. I just need to read a few reports."

"Okay," I said. I yawned, then snuggled into the pillow. My eyes were already closing when Nathan left the bed.