Court of Flowers (Sutherland Book 1)

XXXIII | The Protector

Sasha spent the next few days trying to be a Belle.

She went shopping with Jade and Iyana, attended two balls with the same ladies, and even joined a book club composed of ladies who consume as many romance novels as they did other books.

And despite the incident with his son, Mrs. Compton remained to be Sasha's dear friend and companion during her afternoon walks to the park.

Her days were filled, but during the night, she was sleepless, her mind always making theories.

By the fourth night, she was tired. Too tired, in fact, that she nearly fell asleep while having supper.

"I am fine, Iyana," she said to her maid as the woman followed her upstairs. "Simply tired."

"You must be weary. Why? Is it the duke? I have not seen him around, nor have you been out to his villa. Did you fight?"

"No, it is not the duke. We are fine. He is busy as parliament is now in session. He cannot spend his time with me as much as he would like," she lied.

"Then you must be lonely."

Sasha weakly chuckled as she changed into her sleeping gown. She sat before her dressing table and let Iyana brush her hair. "I have you ladies in the villa. Why would I be lonely?"

Iyana shrugged, looking at her through the mirror. "They say that a man's absence can cause severe longing."

Sasha rolled her eyes. "That is not entirely true."

"If you say so, my lady."

Sasha chuckled. "You sound like Darren."

"Who?"

"West's valet."

"The creepy lad?"

Sasha sighed. "Now that you mentioned it, I do miss Darren. And Seven."

"The dog."

"He must be lonely, too. I have not seen him for long."

"Then we must find a way for your gentleman to take you to the dog."

Sasha's smile slowly died. Perhaps she would never be able to see Seven again.

"Thank you, Iyana," she said after the maid was done with her hair. "I will retire early."

"Of course, my lady. Ring for me if you need me."

"Yes, of course."

Climbing in bed, Sasha waited until Iyana left. Then she sank under the covers, turning to her side.

Closing her eyes, she was grateful for the weariness.

How long had it been since she had a nice slumber?

That night, Sasha dreamed.

She was walking through a field of flowers, the sun shining brightly against her skin. The wind blew away her bonnet, but the ribbons around her neck kept it from flying away.

Her hands reached for her hat, but it was no longer there.

Then she frowned, wondering why she could not breathe.

The ribbon tightened around her neck and Sasha struggled with a groan.

She tried to breathe but found she could not.

Then she woke up, eyes wide and frantic.

Yet she could still not gasp in air.

It was then that she realized that a heavy weight was atop her, pressing her down on the cushion, trapping her. A hand was around her neck, another over her mouth.