NATHAN

With the Scanderoon’s light, it was easy to see the decomposing bodies. The wall had been weakened by the flooding and crumbled away. It looked like the bodies had fallen out of the wall.

The corpses had turned dark green and purple, and black. They looked like they were melting. Already finger bones were showing where skin had slid off. One of the faces had half the skull showing.

"How long do you think they’ve been here?" asked Hune.

"Less than a month," said Scanderoon. "Which means they can’t be the Rosebrights." He studied the bodies. "I think these are three men. Why were they killed and buried in a wall?"

"And who murdered them?" asked Hune. He pointed at the bodies. "Given their clothing, I think they might be servants."

"When Sophia got amnesia from the airship crash, Jace replaced all of the servants. It’s possible that he killed these three for whatever reason and stuffed them in the basement," I said.

"If it was Willowmarch," added Scanderoon, "you can forget finding why they died. But we should try to figure out who they are. Their families might want to know what happened to them."

"I don’t want Sophia implicated in any of this. Hune, get some men, and move the bodies. Try to find IDs or identifying marks. We’ll make discreet inquiries. We’ll need a better story for their deaths, something the families won’t continue to investigate. And compensate the families, too."

"Yes, Your Grace."

"As for Amaranth Manor and its secrets, I think burning this whole place to the ground would be the best remedy." We hurried back up the stairs, away from the horror of the dungeon and the offensive smell of decay.

We didn’t stop walking until we were out of the house.

"Shall I get kerosone and matches, sir?" asked Hune.

"I don’t want to start the bonfire until I talk to Sophia. She might have mementos she wants to save. Hopefully she’s feeling better."

I think we all breathed big sighs of relief when got into the carriage and started the trek back to Velvetleaf. We removed the handkerchiefs and tossed them out the window.

"I honestly believed we were going to find the Rosebright family," said Scanderoon. He looked at the crystal on the top of his cane. "It seems there is more to the story."

"Where are the Rosebrights?" asked Hune. "If the Willowmarches didn’t kill them and bury them in this basement then what happened to them?"

"Those are questions I intend to ask the Willowmarches as soon as we return to the Capital," I said. "And I plan to have a heart-to-heart with the Pagemoores, too. Sophia deserves to know the truth about her family."

***|***|***

NATHAN

It was just past dusk when we arrived in Velvetleaf. Hune went to handle the bodies, Scanderoon invited Tilda on a walk, and I was left alone with Sophia.

Even though she was pale and far too thin from lack of eating well, she was still the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her lashes formed half moons against her cheeks. Her lips were full and pink. Kissable. Tilda had braided her hair and draped the single long braid over Sophia’s shoulder.

I noticed that my beloved wore a new nightgown. I brushed little curls behind her ears, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

No fever, thank goodness.

I touched her cheek with the backs of my fingers, admiring the soft feel of her lovely skin. The scent of roses wafted from her, and I felt my heart clench in my chest.

That, and other parts, too.

Time for a cold bath.

I went into the tiny back garden with a basin and wash cloth, took off my shirt, and wiped myself down with cold, cold water. It did very little to dampen my desire for Sophia.

I look forward to the day when we were finally married. I wanted to know everything about her heart, her soul, her mind. I wanted to map her body. Find those places that made her moan. That made her gasp. Even the spots that made her giggle.

When I was finished cleaning up, I changed into a clean shirt that Hune had procured for me. I knew Hune would be busy for most of the night. I had no idea what Scanderoon and Tilda were doing. Those two were like peas in a pod.

I brought a glass of warm water into the bedroom, and found Sophia awake.

Well, awake-ish.

Her eyes met mine, and she smiled. That smile hit me right in the chest and for a minute I couldn’t quite catch my breath. I put the water on the nightstand and helped her sit up.

"Are you uncomfortable anywhere?"

"No," she said as I handed her the glass.

"Are you hungry? I can fix you a snack."

"Not hungry." She handed me the glass and I put it on the nightstand. "What happened at Amaranth Manor?"

"I will tell you everything tomorrow," I promised. "Tonight, we’re going to rest."

"Will you sleep with me?"

What a loaded question. I sucked in a steadying breath. "You mean you want snuggles?"

She nodded. Opened her arms.

What was I supposed to do? Ignore my adorable princess?

Hah.

I gathered her into my arms and held her tightly. I felt her arms go around my back as she laid her head on my shoulder.

We sat like that for a little while, soaking in each other’s affection.

Sophia pulled back. "Come to bed."

Calm down, I told myself. She doesn’t feel good. You’re not married yet. She’s been a widow for all of a minute.

She scooted over and I slid into bed with her, adjusted the covers over us. She laid her head on my chest, putting one arm across my abdomen. I held her, breathing in the rose scent of her hair, feeling her warm breath ghost across me.

I felt her body relax as she sank into sleep. It took me a little longer, but eventually, with my beautiful soulmate safe in my arms, I slept, too.