Chapter 79

As I stepped onto the steps in front of the court, I sighed, suddenly feeling every inch of the exhaustion that had snuck up on me over the day. Edward took my arm and helped me inside.

“That’s got to be your best day yet,” he said, his voice gentle, as if he didn’t want to make me feel any worse.

“Apparently.”

“You’re getting there,” he added. “Another week or so and you won’t know any differently. It will feel almost comfortable, and predictable.”

I didn’t reply, not sure how I felt about his words. And I didn’t get long to think about them. The sound of men shouting came drifting through the court door as Edward opened it. We both hurried through. Despite the late hour, everyone seemed to still be up, the commotion coming from within the courtesans’ own relaxation area.

“What the—?” I said, hurrying forward, aware Edward hadn’t left my side as he normally did when we got back.

I spotted the problem immediately. Two of the guards had Belle between them again. The same two who frequen