Chapter 4

The room goes silent for two seconds.

Margot blinks at me. I don't think I've ever told her no before. She hasn't said a word yet, but her eyes are already shining.

Gabriel's voice cools.

"What's the matter with you, Elara? You give her everything. You always have. And now you're going to make a fuss over a bedroom?"

"I'm not making a fuss."

"Then what is this?" He frowns. "She's your sister. It's not as though I'm letting a stranger move in. The keep has thirty rooms. One of them sitting empty doesn't bother anyone."

"It's our bridal chamber, Gabriel. Is she the one walking down the aisle with you?"

That stops him.

Margot's eyes spill over. Right on cue.

"Elara, I only wanted to be near you. Forget I asked. I won't come."

Gabriel turns on me.

"Look at her. One word from you and she's in tears. She's a young girl. She's your sister. Could you not be cruel for once?"

"And who's kind to me?" I lift my head. "You found her a position at court. A stipend. A title. She wants for nothing. And what about me? All I have left is—"

"Enough."

His face hardens. He takes a step toward me.

"Listen to yourself. She's your sister. The only reason I lift a finger for her is you. And this is how you thank me? By being small?"

Small.

There it is.

I smile a little. I don't say anything else.

Margot tugs at his sleeve, voice gone soft and careful.

"Gabriel, leave it. She's just tired."

He covers her hand with his. His voice gentles.

"Elara. It's settled. Margot will be good for you. You won't have to be apart from her."

I nod.

Fine.

It's their home. Not mine. I'm never going to live there anyway.

Gabriel exhales. Margot dabs at her eyes and gives him a small, brave smile.

I turn back to my trunk.

Behind me, her voice again. Sweet now. Light.

"So I really can have rose pink curtains?"

Gabriel laughs.

"Whatever you want."