When the woman came back to the room with linens, she saw me on the floor. I had noticed how dark it was, as the room had no windows, and though I was still shaken, I had enough wherewithal to ask for a candle.

"That's costs extra," she smiled.

"I don't have any money."

She laughed. "Then you better makes nice with your man."

Her speech was getting on my nerves. She dropped a sheet and blanket on the pallet. "I hopes you like stew cuz that's all you get tonight."

I nodded and waited for her to leave, which she did. Crawling over to the pallet, I noticed tears in the ticking, the mouldy straw, and fleas. I grabbed the sheet and blanket and lay them on the floor. I used to sleep on a dirt floor when mother and I lived with another family for a while. I figured the wood would not be so bad.

I crawled back to the wall and sat again. What are Cedric and Johnna thinking now? They have no idea where I am. How long will we be here? Should I run now? Remembering the people who stared at us in this part of the city frightened me. This is probably about the safest place right now.

My stomach rumbled and I wished I had tried harder to eat earlier in the day. I wished for a bottle of the wine or cider from the ball the night before. Was that really only last night? It was beginning to feel like days had passed since I had been the happiest in my life to the most scared.

The door opened suddenly, and the light that came in blinded me. "Get up." Roland stood there until I met him at the door. "Why is it so dark in here?"

"No window and a candle costs extra."

"Damn. Well, you won't be doing anything but sleeping in here anyway."

He led me down the hall toward the stairs. "When will we leave?"

"I don't know. I sent a message to Amber. I don't want her to stay at the palace any longer than we originally planned."

We carefully descended the stairs and found a table in the common room. One of the women wearing basically a skirt and a corset brought bowls of food to the table with a loaf of bread. "Do you have wine?" Roland asked her.

She laughed. "I'll let you make me whine and moan later, milord."

"As tempting as that is," he replied sarcastically, "what do you have to drink?"

"Ale. That's it."

"Then two mugs of ale."

She turned and sauntered away.

I noticed there were no utensils, so I broke off a piece of bread and dipped it into the stew. "How are we supposed to eat this?" Roland yelled.

"You drink from the bowl, your Grace, and you use the bread…"

"You would know this, wouldn't you?" I looked away from his eyes. "I'm sorry, Sofia. I should not be taking out my anger on you. And call me Roland." He reached out and stroked my face. I winced because it was bruised. "Does that hurt?"

I shook my head no. He knew I was lying.

Roland watched how I ate and followed suit. The stew was quite good but I knew better than to ask what was in it, and I prayed Roland would not ask either. The ale was strong, but it was all they had. He ordered us each a second mug when the woman took our bowls.

Just then, Roland's guards and a couple servants walked in the door. They bowed to Roland, and it seemed each of them looked at me and then looked again as if they could see the bruise on my face, and then they each made a point to not look at me. "Did my daughter send a message?"

"Lady Amber said she would leave at the previously planned time, as she has a wedding to plan."

Roland nodded, but I saw his jaw tense. "And you have our items?"

"All but Lady Sofia's best dresses," the guard paused. "Lady Amber stated she would have those packed with her own so they aren't… ruined."

"Good, good."

"Will we be staying here, your Grace?"

"Are you allowed back into the castle?"

"We were not told otherwise."

"Then go back. Enjoy yourselves. Keep your eye on my daughter. I will send a messenger if I decide to depart earlier than planned."

"And Lady Sofia? She does not need protection?" The guards still did not look at me.

"No, she's fine. In fact, Sofia, show them where to place our luggage."

I nodded and led the servants and a couple guards up the stairs, which groaned with the weight of our trunks. I opened the doors and instructed them with which things went where. "My lady," said one guard, "where is your lamp or candle?"

"It's an extra cost. I have no money and the duke doesn't want to…" I trailed off. One of the servants opened my trunk and pulled out an envelope and handed it to me.

"Please read it my lady, and let me know if you'll send a response."

I had to take it closer to a candle sconce on the hallway wall, and I opened it. I did not recognize the handwriting, but Johnna had signed it. Sofia, please let me know where you are and if you are well. We will come for you immediately. It took me a moment to understand the writing. I had no formal education but had learned some reading from other children when I was young, and then James taught me what he could, however, even his education had been cut short as Roland did not want to waste money on a child who would not live long. Johnna's handwriting was so beautiful, and even if I'd had the tools to write back, I would have been embarrassed. My penmanship was horrible.

"Can you give Lady Johnna a verbal message?"

"Yes, miss."

"Please tell her that I am fine, and that there's no need to worry. But, you can tell her where I am. But that I am fine."

The guards and servants with me all looked at me like they knew I was lying. For the first time in hours, a tear slipped from my eyes. "Please, just go. And give her my best." I handed the note back to the servant, wiped my face and headed for the stairs.

"My lady," one of the guards stopped me. "Get yourself some light." He pressed a couple coins into my hand.

"Oh, I can't accept-"

"I won't take them back."

"Thank you," I whispered, and another tear fell.

"Now now," said the servant that handed me the note in the first place. "We need to leave. This part of town is not safe for anyone at night."

I nodded, cleared my throat and wiped my face again. "Thank you."

They followed me back down to the table where Roland sat with the other guards, laughing and drinking. They stood as I neared the table. "Sofia," Roland waved at me. "Go back to your room. One of you can escort her."

"Good night, your grace," I gave a small curtsy and let the guard who gave me coins escort me back upstairs. As we made our way, he got one of the girl's attention and asked them to bring light up to my room.

"You are too kind." I told him in the upstairs hall.

"We watched you care the duke's son for five years," he grumbled, "and the man won't even get you a candle in this dump?"

I could not speak. The lump in my throat was too large.

"Once you get the light, Lady Sofia, move your trunk against the door so it will be harder for someone to force their way in."

Nodding, I grabbed his hand and squeezed. "Thank you!" I whispered.

"Good night, Lady Sofia." He bowed and shut my door on the way out. After a small lamp was brought and I slipped the woman a coin, I did as the guard had suggested, and slid the trunk against the door.