Kael
When I pushed open the door to my chambers, Dionne was standing by the window with her back to me and the sight of her stopped me mid-step, and for a moment I just watched her.
The late afternoon light caught in her dark hair. Her shoulders were relaxed as she looked out into the valley, and for a single second I wished I could see what her face looked like. I wished I could hear her thoughts.
I rebuked the thoughts immediately it formed and I slammed the door behind me with more force than necessary and the sound made her flinch, and spun around, her eyes going wide.
I felt a savage satisfaction at the reaction even as the beast growled its displeasure.
"I gave you a direct order," I said, keeping my voice level. "You attend only to my needs. No one else's. Do you remember that conversation, Dionne?"
She nodded quickly. "Yes, Your Grace."
"Then explain to me what was happening in Aubrey's chamber."
