The night had barely let him rest. Trevor tossed and turned, his mind returning again to the woman. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw her face.
By dawn, he gave up on sleep entirely. The castle was quiet and cold that morning. He walked down the cold corridor towards the room where Maria lay. The air inside there was warmer. Alice was already there, sitting by the bedside with a cup of steaming tonic.
He watched his mate, Maria who sat propped against the pillow, her arms folded across her chest.
"Drink this." Alice said softly, holding the cup to her lips. "It would help your memory and strengthen your body."
Maria shook her head in defiance, her eyes drifting to Trevor as he entered. "I'm not drinking that."
Alice tried again. "You need this dear."
"I said no."
Alice looked helplessly at Trevor. He requested that she give him the cup, then dismissed her.
