Chapter 182

• The snow outside was thin and not nearly as deep as the snow in the north was. So far the best thing about being a lady was being able to go outside when she wanted and not being afraid that someone was going to scream at her for it. She used to sneak out for a bit of fresh air and have nightmares about being caught for it. The one time she was caught, she was marked by the man she now spends most of her nights with. Funny how she swore her life would never be what it has become.
• Her blood was boiling. The chilly temperatures were nothing on her heated skin. Too many emotions tried to come forward but all she wanted to do was forget them all and try to imagine she had nothing to weigh down her shoulders. What would it be like to walk out of the palace and forget everyone behind her? Would they think she was selfish, or smart? Would they look for her and not rest until she was found, or would they let her go?
• “Ay! What are you doing out here?” A familiar voice called from behind her. She heard thick steps stomp across the snow and a moment later, a thick cloak fell across her shoulders to ward away any of the cold she didn’t feel.