“Why didn’t you have the servants heat up your chambers?” Prince Jorlan asks the moment I step inside.

I shrug, my shoulders stiff. “Didn’t see the point, honestly. I'm only here for the night.”

He nods, but his expression betrays his dissatisfaction. “There’s always someone tending the coal room. It wouldn’t be an issue. You’re the princess now. It’s their role to make your life comfortable.”

I sniffle, rubbing my nose as I kick ...