The Skin Thief

Chapter 45

Kiora

The emperor's wing is not as grand as she imagined it would be. It is large yes, with a huge dining hall, bathing room, and even his own private garden. But the decoration is a lot simpler than even her wing.

"Surprised?" he asks as she looks around at the plain, sandy stone walls.

Of course, it is still luxurious. All the furniture is upholstered with only the finest red material, and any ornaments he does have are gleaming and perfect. But, unlike the rest of the palace, there isn't gold and gems in every nook possible. If anything, the simplicity of it is a strange rest for Kiora's eyes. After a while, all that bright gold almost became too much.

"A little," she replies.

"I prefer to collect countries over trinkets," he jokes as he leads her to his room.

Kiora resists rolling her eyes.

"When I come here, I want to rest. Not be blinded and overwhelmed with gold in every corner," he chuckles.

"Such a difficult problem to have," Kiora replies sarcastically. He laughs and pushes open the doors.

Kiora walks in ahead of him. Warmth sweeps over her, but it isn't unpleasant. It comes from a fire, which roars in a large stone fireplace. The sound of it crackling is pleasant. The fire is the only source of light, and it casts the cosy room in a gentle, warm glow.

"Romantic," Kiora says.

"It is our wedding night," he reminds her. Kiora doesn't respond. Her eyes fall on the large, four-poster wooden bed. Covering it are thick blankets of furs and silks.

Her eyes widen slightly. She isn't sure she's ever seen a bed so big, but then again, the emperor is mountainous in size himself.

Still, she has to admit, the room is cosy.

"Where will I be sleeping?" she says, looking around for some sort of chaise lounge. The only furniture like that is a large, leather armchair placed by the fire, with a small wooden table beside it.

She turns to the emperor when he doesn't answer. He gives her a "really?" look. Kiora shrugs and forces on a smile.

"It's fine, I don't need sleep anyway," she tells him.

"You don't?" he asks, stepping toward her.

"No," she replies casually.

"Interesting," he mutters to himself.

"Is there something I can change into?" she asks, changing the subject.

He smiles charmingly. "Yes," he says and gestures to a doorway. From her spot, Kiora can see it leads to some sort of open wardrobe.

"I have a nightgown for you in there. You may change in privacy, do not worry."

"Good," Kiora says and moves toward it.

"Kiora," he says, reaching for her arm. She resists yanking it from his grip. Instead, she turns back to him slowly.

"Yes?" she asks, forcing her voice to come out as politely as possible.

"Do you need me to undo the dress?" he asks.

Kiora bites at the inside of her cheek as she realises that the dress is secured with tight lace weaving up her back. She lets out a small sigh of frustration.

"Yes, please," she finally replies and turns away from him.

He chuckles behind her and she resists letting out a huff of frustration.