Authors Note: I realized when I began writing this chapter that I had left an important detail out of the last one. So I went and modified a sentence in the last paragraph of the previous chapter. If you are one of my subscribers, I suggest you re-read that paragraph before you come back here. Sorry about that. If you are new, welcome!
"It has been a long time since we have had guests. Please come in." He sounded like many of the young men at court, with language both cultured and precise. Snow did not wish to enter. She wanted only to be on her way. However, she had also heard of what this man was. She knew it would be foolish to turn down the offer of guest or show anything that may be construed as ingratitude.
"Thank you for the invitation." She replied, and stepped over the threshold and past him as he shut the door behind her. The room was dim, lit by a single small lamp sitting on the side-table.
"You look like you have had a difficult day. Please allow me to make up a room for you and tomorrow we can enjoy each other's company." His face was calm, and his tone casual, though his eyes were shining.
"Thank you for your generosity," Snow replied, thinking quickly, "but I do not wish to impose upon you or your companions, a simple word of guidance would be very helpful, and all I require." It wasn't perfect she was sure. She wished she had spent more time learning how to deal with fey, but it was the best she could come up with. It would have to do.
"I assure you, it is no hardship to spare a room, and though guidance may be all you require, a little more certainly wouldn't hurt, and I would not wish to rush a guest." The gentleman countered, eyes still twinkling with hidden mirth.
Snow dithered, she knew she was in far over her head. Accepting would almost certainly impose more expectations upon her that she was not aware of, but to refuse to accept hospitality now, after accepting the status of guest, may be deadly. Pushing back the panic beginning to dry her throat and flutter in her stomach, she latched onto one thing she knew. She was a guest. An invited guest. Neither he nor any of his absent companions could harm her.
"Well, then, if you are sure it is no inconvenience, I would be glad to enjoy your hospitality for the night." Those last three words were important, she knew. She must be very careful not to promise anything more than she intended.
For a single moment, his bland façade slipped just out of place and his lips twitched up slightly in what could only be a rueful smirk. But then he turned and beckoned her up the stairs and down the hall to a small bedroom that held a bed fit for a king.
Despite her lingering worries and apprehension, Snow fell to sleep more deeply and quickly than she ever had before.