An hour later, the freezing night air was replaced by the quiet warmth of the palace bedchamber. A single candle flickered on the washstand, casting long, soft shadows across the room.
Odesse lay flat on her back on the large bed, staring up at the carved wooden ceiling. Valex had completely collapsed onto her side, his heavy head resting squarely on her chest. His eyes were closed, and his face was buried against the soft fabric of her gown as if he were trying to hide from the rest of the world.
Odesse moved her hand in slow, rhythmic motions through his thick hair, her fingers gently caressing his scalp.
"I don't think I will be able to forgive myself," Valex whispered, his voice incredibly low and rough from hours of quiet strain.
"Why do you say that, my king?" Odesse replied softly, her chest rising and falling beneath his weight.
He replied, "I should have been there when she didn't respond to the letter quickly. I should have known something was wrong."
