Teárlag woke up the next morning and looked around the room. If Thorburn had slept there, he'd already gone and she hadn't heard him come in. This didn't surprise her she was so tired and emotionally worn down. She wanted to stay in bed and never get up, but she'd volunteered to help and if she was going to help, she had to see Blackthorne today. As disgusting as that task was, she wanted it to be over, so there was no point in lying about. She rang for her maid and prepared for the day.

After the maid helped her dress, brushed and fixed her hair, Teárlag said, "Have...