Ashley

“My lady.”

A soft knock sounded on my door, and I recognized it instantly. Relief rushed through me, I hurried across the room and pulled the door open.

Ethonian stepped in, balancing a tray of food in her hands. She moved quietly, like she always did, and placed the tray on the small table before turning to face me.

“Have you been avoiding me?” I asked right away.

Her brows lifted slightly in surprise, but her gaze quickly dropped to my neck. She stiffened, suddenly aware of the marks I had tried so hard to hide. Lately, I only wore high-necked clothes whenever I stepped out, but inside my...