A loud, rapid knock came at the door. Bronwyn stirred. He rolled to his back, stretched and rubbed his eyes as the rising sun poured rays into the room.
The knock sounded again.
He stumbled from the bed and grabbed his shirt. He pulled it on and fastened a few buttons before opening the door.
“Sergeant Darrow.” The private saluted him. “Your presence is requested in the Throne Room.”
“What’s this about?” Bronwyn rubbed the sleep from his eyes.
“I wasn’t told, sir. You must report to the Throne Room immediately for an urgent announcement.”
“I’ll go there as soon as I’m dressed.” He dismissed the private and closed the door. Scratching his head and yawning, he walked back to the bed and noticed the visitor had wakened Alaura.
“What is it?” she whispered, not moving from beneath the blanket.
“I’ve been summoned to the Throne Room.”
“Why?”
“He didn’t say.” He glanced at Isla, still sleeping. “Can you stay with her?”
She nodded. “How long will you be?”
“I don’t know. Help yourself to a ration—to whatever you need.” He pulled a clean uniform from a drawer then stepped into the water closet to wash and change.
Before leaving he stood next to the bed and belted his scabbard and sword around his waist. Alaura’s skin appeared pale and her eyes dull though sunshine lit up the room. Her hair lay lifeless and flat.
“How do you feel this morning?” he whispered.
“Much better.”
Bronwyn wished he didn’t have to rush off so early. “You can take Isla to Mum. She’ll care for her until my shift ends.”
He gazed upon the enchanting woman in his bed, her head lying against his pillow as if she woke there every morning. But Alaura would be gone when he returned at the end of the day and might never venture this far again. Putting one knee on the mattress, he bent forward and kissed Isla’s forehead. Though pale, her temperature felt normal. He paused for a moment, hovering over Alaura, longing to check her temperature using the same method. But his courage faded. She seemed frozen beneath him, as if holding her breath until he left. He moved away.
“Bronwyn.”
He halted and looked back at her.
“I wish…” She paused and he watched her struggle to find the right words. Then, as if giving up, she said, “Be careful.”