Chapter 27 · Submission in the Cell

The lock clicked three times. Then the bolt ground back, slow, like it hated the job.

I didn't get up. Nine nights since the tribunal, nine nights in this cell, and I had the drill memorized — never be standing when he walks in. Never let him catch me waiting.

It wasn't the dungeon I'd braced for. Real bed. Blankets. A rug somebody probably died on. Valerius had the whole thing scrubbed before he threw me in it. That's him all over. Clean cage, sharp bars.

He filled the doorway without trying. Cold came off him — pine, iron, and the thing underneath that made my blood hum no matter how many times I told it to shut up.

"Eat."

The tray hit the table bolted to the wall. Bread, broth, one slice of meat. Better than the pack gets.

"Is it poisoned?"

His jaw ticked. "If I wanted you dead, I'd have let the council have you."

I picked up the bowl. My fingers brushed his and I hated the jolt that went up my arm. "I'm pregnant, Valerius. Not dying. There's a difference."

A muscle jumped in his cheek. He didn't take his hand back. That was new.