I woke with a start, my hands instinctively flying to my rounded belly. Relief flooded through me as I felt Rhys kick in response, strong and healthy despite everything that had happened. My baby was safe—for now.
The room around me was unfamiliar but undeniably luxurious. Heavy silk curtains framed tall windows, and I lay on a bed that felt like sleeping on a cloud. This was definitely not a dungeon or holding cell. It was... a guest chamber? The Royal Palace, I realized with a jolt. I recognized the distinctive crown moldings from the news coverage of royal events.
My next thought went immediately to Kaelen. Where was he? Was he hurt? Did he even know I'd been taken? The memory of surrender crashed back—the blood, the guns pointed at Marcus's head, my split-second decision to offer myself instead.
I sat up slowly, wincing at the soreness in my muscles. They hadn't hurt me during the abduction, but being manhandled by Selene's goons while pregnant hadn't exactly been gentle.
