She had never stepped foot inside Hairan's private chambers before, nor had she ever been told where it was located. Yet as they turned down the corner and the music from the feast faded behind them, she knew instinctively where they were headed.
The maid pushed open a heavy door at the end of a quiet hall and ushered Elka inside without a word. The door shut behind her with a hollow thud.
Elka stood alone in her husband's bedchamber. The room was lavishly furnished with dark polished wood, velvet draperies. A large bed dominated the center of the room, draped in rich cream silk sheets.
This was where they were meant to consummate their marriage, she realized with a growing sense of horror.
Her heart began to pound violently in her chest. But instead of excitement or anticipation, only cold dread flooded her veins. The pain in her back intensified, making her vision swim.
