A violent cough tore through me, and blood splattered from my lips. Hadeon saw it, and for once, he asked nothing more.
He rubbed slow circles on my back, his voice softening. "You've always been the most sensible one, Perenna. I was overthinking it. Rest now. Your mate will stay right here. I'm not going anywhere."
I didn't know how long I slept before the noise from the courtyard dragged me awake.
The moment I opened my eyes, I saw Rowan sprawled in the center of the yard, a silver-tipped switch cracking down across her body again and again.
Her clothes were soaked through with blood. Each breath she drew looked like it might be her last. The smell of burned skin rose with every strike where the silver bit into her, and something in my chest went so still it frightened me.
Cressida Thornwood sat nearby, watching with cold, disinterested eyes.
When Hadeon saw me stir, he didn't bother explaining. He simply pressed my shoulders back down. "The Alpha Heir's mate is disciplining a servant. Don't interfere, Perenna."