Chapter 113: Belonging 

~ ZARA ~

Mardie's posture softened as soon as the door thudded closed behind Ash.

With a soft sigh, she leaned on the quilts on both fists, dropped her head and shook it. "That was… profoundly stupid, Zara," she said quietly.

That wasn't what I'd expected. "I know, but—"

"I know the King called for you, and I know you are healing," she said patiently. "But not only are activities of that nature a risk to your healing, but the gossips in the castle will create serious—"

"There were no activities!" I snapped, then swallowed to keep myself under control. How was it that I had come from a place where I was criticized for waiting too long, only to end up in a place where I was condemned if I didn't? "Why is everyone so ready to believe that that's all we do when we're alone?"