Chapter Thirteen

 

Caroline stirred in bed and began waking up around midday. Her stomach was growling so loudly that she couldn’t sleep any longer, even if she wanted to. As she rubbed her eyes, she realized that they hadn’t been given anything to eat the entire time at the Scarclyfs. It was no wonder it felt as though a beast was living in her belly. She pushed the covers down and realized she was still dressed only in Luke’s tunic. Rolling her eyes at the mess she must be, she began climbing out of bed. Emily entered the room just as Caroline’s feet touched the floor.

“My lady?” She then exclaimed, “You’re awake! The Duke and Duchess will be ever so relieved to hear. And Lady Sophie, of course.”

“Sophie is conscious?” asked Caroline, pulling the dirty tunic over her head and tossing it to the floor. “Can you warm me some water, Emily?”

“Yes, my lady, she is awake, thank the Lord. And yes…one moment. Oh, I am so glad you are all right.”

Emily hurried away before Caroline could inquire about Sloane, trying to stealthily wipe her tears away as she did. She smiled, she could not ask for a more loyal and dear handmaiden. She pulled out a simple light blue gown, far more plain than a future princess would be expected to wear, but Caroline was still weary and weak and did not care about etiquette at that moment. After carefully pulling it over her aching head, Caroline slipped her feet into her slippers and waited for Emily’s return. Once she had the water, she splashed it over her face and neck, and then behind her ears. Finally, she asked Emily to fashion her hair into a simple braid. She felt much more refreshed and ready to face whatever news was waiting for her.

Emily directed Caroline down the corridor and to the chambers that had been assigned to Sophie. Her sister was lying across the room’s chaise with her eyes closed.

“Sophie?”

Sitting up quickly, as though Caroline’s voice had startled her, she smiled when she saw her. It was a strange sight to see the new fangs in Sophie’s mouth, and caused Caroline to hesitate for a split second. Then, she ran straight to her and the sisters hugged as though they hadn’t seen each other in years.