Ayana woke to the sound of Iezabel's voice, eyes heavy with sleep. Her body throbbed all over, and even shifting her muscles caused her agony. Instead of relieving the ache, her slumber had elevated it further. She rolled over and pulled a pillow over her head.

Iezabel snatched it from her hands. "Wake up."

Ayana groaned. "What time is it?"

"Past noon," Iezabel replied. "And your 'breakfast' is turning cold."

"You are such a nuisance," Ayana grumbled as she got to her feet, almost stumbling on the plush sheepskin carpet.

"And you've become lazy." Iezabel grasped her arm and helped her to the lavatory.

"I'm tired."

"You are a Lady of Argent." Iezabel released her grip and half-closed the door behind her. "The Commander might call on you anytime. You can't present yourself like a bedraggled wanderer."

"If you say so," Ayana muttered. She walked over to the marble basin and gazed into the clear liquid. A haggard face stared back at her, dark circles under a pair of slightly sunken eyes. The black dye had worn off, and her hair gleamed wine red. She sighed and splashed some cold water on her face.

Ayana glanced around the small chamber, a pleased grin on her lips. Iezabel had stocked the granite shelves with her favored toiletries. It did not take long for her to brush her teeth and tend to her other needs. She grabbed a robe from the corner dresser and slipped it over her nightgown.

"You look better," Iezabel said, as Ayana collapsed into one of the chairs.

"Better than I feel," she murmured.

"Did the Commander send for me?"

Iezabel took a seat beside her. "Not yet."

Ayana scanned the food on the table. Platters of meat, sausages, boiled potatoes, bread, soft cheese, a bowl of porridge, a dish of vegetables, a jug of pineapple juice, and a pitcher of clear water.

"Eat." Iezabel said. "I had it checked for poison."

"I hope not on the boy."

"No." She averted her eyes. "I had the cook do the honors."

Ayana sighed, piling some meat and vegetables onto her plate. She ate in silence, particularly enjoying the wine soaked slice of pork-quite tangy and scrumptious. It was weeks since she had consumed proper food.

Iezabel smiled. "Is it that good?" She poured some juice into a glass mug and handed it to her.

Ayana nodded, taking a sip. Her fork stabbed into another sausage, taking it to her mouth. A sigh of satisfaction slipped through her lips as the tender meat melted into a myriad of savory flavors on her tongue. "You rarely allow me to eat what I want," Ayana said between bites. When Iezabel remained silent, she asked, "You regret coming here?"

"On the contrary, I'm glad the rebels found us," Iezabel said, her eyes darting to Ayana's swollen belly. "You can't afford to be on the run. Not now."

Ayana took a sip from the glass, an amused glimmer in her eyes. "Now you trust them, huh?"

Iezabel glared at her. "I don't," she said. "But as long as we have a common enemy, we can count them as allies."

~•~•~•~•~•~

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