Predatory Marriage

Predatory Marriage — Chapter 227. Warning (1)

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

The tone of his voice was so terrifying, Leah shuddered. But slowly that cold, murderous air subsided, and it was only when he was composed again that he noticed her distress.

“Are you in pain?” He asked, startled. His gentle voice had no trace of that ferocity in it.

“It’s a little cold,” she said, making up an excuse rather than the truth. Ishakan slipped off his tunic and drew her against his warm body, giving her his body heat and tugging a blanket over her.

Now she certainly couldn’t claim to be cold; it was hot enough that she began to perspire. But she liked being wrapped in his arms, so she only nestled against him as they talked quietly together, content in each other’s arms. They didn’t speak of the future. It was enough to be together, and talk of small things.

Listening to his voice, she began to feel sleepy again, and soon Leah drifted off in the middle of their conversation.

And so she didn’t see it, when those kind golden eyes hardened with fury.

***

Leah slept for a long time and only woke when the sun was beginning to set. A full day had passed since she had fallen asleep. It took a moment to realize she was still in the villa in the peach orchard.

The atmosphere of the house had completely changed.

Before, it had smelled faintly musty, but now the room was filled with a pleasant scent. The heavy curtains had been pulled open to allow the evening light to stream through the windows, dispelling the omnipresent gloom. On the table was a gold censor, burning some fresh, sweet incense, and Leah lay in the bed breathing it for a while before she rose.

As soon as she stirred, the door opened. Leah was surprised to see a strange Kurkan enter. She had expected one of her usual maids.

“You finally woke up,” said the Kurkan with a smile, a woman with tan skin and long hair tied up on the back of her head. “I am Mura. This is the second time I’ve introduced myself to you.”

She must be one of the people from Leah’s lost memories. Leah searched for her, trying to remember, but there was nothing. She was worried that Mura would be disappointed, but the Kurkan woman didn’t seem to mind. She only urged Leah to sit back in the bed and handed her a small glass.

“Drink it,” she said. “Morga gave all his effort to make this potion. It will help remove the toxins from your body.”

Leah drank it, and when it was gone, Mura brought her dinner. Leah’s jaw dropped.

The trays in Mura’s hands seemed like enough food for twenty people, but all of it was for Leah. Placing a small tray in front of her, Mura began to serve the food, and Leah pulled up the blanket and then began to eat. –

She had tasted Kurkan food the other day, and it had been so delicious, she had thought ever since how much she wanted more. Mura seemed delighted to watch her eat every bite, which only made it easier to eat. By the time Leah came to her senses, she realized she had eaten three or four times as much as her usual meal.

It felt as if her stomach might burst if she had another bite. Leah set down her silver.

“Where is Ishakan?” Leah asked, trying to distract the obviously disappointed Kurkan woman.

“Well, Ishakan…went out with some of the others. He’ll probably be back tomorrow. They were all very angry,” Mura added with a smile, and an icy fury in her own eyes. “Everyone has had to be very patient for a long time.”

Leah couldn’t imagine why they would be so angry. As she was thinking about it, Mura’s eyes widened.

“Oh, I didn’t bring your snacks!”

Mura darted away to fetch another tray and brought it back to Leah. The tray was overflowing with dainty snacks.

“It’s baklava,” Mura explained, and showed Leah how the treat was made with thin layers of pastry layered with crushed nuts and honey lemon syrup. It was a very sweet treat, but it went perfectly with the cup of hot tea Mura brewed for her. The Kurkan was pleased to see Leah eating with enthusiasm.

“All you need to do is rest while you wait,” she said.

Leah looked out the window as she drank her tea, watching the sky steadily darken. It looked as if it was going to be a long night.

***