Lorelei sat on a cushion in the window niche, head leaning on the frame, and looked at the droplets trickling down the round glass facets. Beyond the rain curtain, huge masses of black clouds chased over the stormy sky. The howling winds bent treetops and made branches clatter like old bones.

Snuggling deeper into her blanket, Lorelei absentmindedly followed the shape of one of the facets with her fingertip. It had taken some time and effort but she had managed to send away Rish and Milly on some small errands. The two worried girls had insisted on staying by her side, especially Rish who had almost dragged her back to the room after the meeting. Still, Lorelei had prevailed and was now enjoying her bittersweet moment of loneliness. She needed some time on her own to put her feelings back in order and neither the young Binshi’s suggestion to punch Bishop Petronius and Neli in the face nor the attempts of her maid to stuff her with sweets were the right way to deal with the situation. The problem was that… she was unable to calm down. Her thoughts were flying in all directions, sometimes stopping on images from her kidnapping, sometimes jumping back to Neli’s hurtful words, and sometimes showing her glimpses of Noah’s sad gray eyes. To make matters worse, her stomach was turning every time she even considered having a bite and her skull-splitting headache had intensified to the point where she saw little white and green lights whenever she closed her eyes.

Scrunching her forehead, Lorelei slid off the windowsill, her bare feet silently sinking into the thick rug, and tiptoed to the table at the side of her bed. Atop stood a tripod with a spirit lamp beneath, and on the tripod, a simple copper kettle was letting out angry puffs of steam. Picking up a cup, Lorelei carefully poured in some hot water and then retrieved a paper sachet from her waist-pouch. As the blood drummed in her ears and her head split every time she blinked, she opened the medicine with trembling fingers. A trickle of black dust fell into the cup, dissolving and turning the liquid inside the color of charcoal. Hesitating for a moment, she lifted the drink to her lips and was about to take a sip when a powerful hand grabbed her from behind and knocked the cup on the floor.

“What are you doing, you crazy woman!?” Lorelei recognized Noah’s voice and, as he spun her around, she met face to face with her husband. His expression was more distraught than angry and, when he started speaking again, she could hear the worry in his voice even beneath the sternness. “Why, in the names of all the Saints, why are you still trying to poison yourself?”

“P-poison?” Lorelei blinked at him confused.

“Drinking that damn Bitter Water? What are you trying to prove? To whom? I told you, I trust you! You don’t need to go so far as to drink it. What if you bleed to death?”

“But… this was just a headache medicine.”

Two pairs of equally flustered eyes stared at each other for some time. Then Noah abruptly let go of her and took a step back, his arms hanging awkwardly around his body. Despite his dark complexion, Lorelei could swear that his cheeks had turned a few shades redder. He cleared his throat and straightened his back, all the while avoiding looking directly at his wife.

“I’m sorry, my lady, I made the wrong assumptions.”

“Don’t apologize, my lord.” Despite her heart racing quite vigorously in her chest, she still managed to give him a genuine smile. “It was my fault for not hearing you.”

“Did… did I hurt you when I hit your hand? I didn’t mean to scare or harm you.”

“Don’t worry, my lord,” Lorelei’s smile grew brighter. “I am perfectly fine. And I know that you had good intentions.”

A weight seemed to drop off of Noah’s shoulders as his posture relaxed. He drew a hand through his hair, a gesture Lorelei had started to recognize as a sign of embarrassment and restlessness. She bit her lips to stop her smile from growing. The Duke of Norden could sometimes show some unexpected sides that contradicted his moniker of Beast.

As the drawn silence hung between them, Lorelei too became a bit restless. She gathered her skirts and knelt down, picking up the cup from the carpet. Her eyes lingered for a bit on the large dark stain covering its previously vivid pattern. Trailing her gaze, Noah cleared his throat.

“I will order the rug replaced by tomorrow. Tell me if you have any preferences.”

“No need to inconvenience the servants. A brush and a bucket of soap water would suffice.”

“If that's what you wish.”

With this curt response, the conversation died out again. Lorelei rolled the cup between her palms as she searched for the right words. A rhythmic noise coming from behind attracted her attention. It was the light clattering of the pot’s lid due to the rising steam. This gave her an idea.

“Since you’ve come all the way here, my lord, would you like some tea?”

“That would be much appreciated, my duchess.”

The two exchanged shy glances and some bashful smiles and Lorelei quickly turned around to prepare the tea.

“You can sit in the anteroom, my lord,” she said while pouring some more water into the pot from a clay jug. “It won’t take long.”

“Would you mind if I stay?” His question startled her and she looked over her shoulder.

“Do you think I would still try to poison myself? Or perhaps you think I might poison you?”

“By the Gods, no!” Noah was genuinely shocked, his face twisting in a slightly exaggerated sad expression. “The thought never crossed my mind, Lady Lorelei. In all honesty, I am curious about your trade. I’ve never seen such a strange contraption.”

Her husband pointed at the small tripod and the spirit burner beneath that was sprouting a thin bluish flame.

“You said you’ll be preparing tea and I can see the kettle but to be fair, I’ve never seen anyone brew tea on a candle.”

“Trust me, my lord, the flame is hot enough to melt lead. I use it often when I mix medicines.”

“Fascinating!” Noah’s eyebrows flew up. “And there is no magic involved?”

“Your Highness,” Lorelei couldn’t hold herself back and rolled her eyes, “you know I’m not a witch. Besides, you might have forgotten after living in Norden for so long, but on the mainland, magic is considered a long-dead taboo. Anyone who values their health and doesn’t want to spend some intimate time in a cell with the Church’s quaestors would think twice before dabbling in forbidden arts.”

“You are right.” Noah coughed and his fingers combed through his hair again. “It was a stupid question.”

She chuckled. The temptation was just too big to let it pass.

“My master always says that there are no stupid questions, only lazy students.”

Her husband burst into laughter.

“I really wish to have a chat with your master someday!” he said and sat on the windowsill. “Don’t mind me. Concentrate on your tea.”

‘He has such a nice, deep laugh,’ thought Lorelei and turned around to hide her flaming cheeks, the smile still lingering on her lips. Her fingers found and opened a couple of jars from the small collection currently residing on the table. She gave each one a sniff before taking herb after herb and put them in the pot without giving it much thought. It was a simple tea. There was no need to look for special ingredients in her crates or check her books for the recipe. The routine task calmed her mind somewhat and even her headache subsided. Still, being able to feel Noah’s gaze on her made her heart flutter.

As the kettle continued to burble over the thin bluish flame, the whole room was soon filled with a fresh fragrance.

“It smells really nice!” said Noah, his tone – calm and almost sleepy. “Is it mint and linden? Such an unusual combination.”

“My lord has a sharp nose.” Lorelei was pleasantly surprised. “Indeed, it's mint and linden. They calm the body and the mind. And I have added some hypericum to lift the spirit.”

“So much thought put into a cup of tea! This is exactly what we need after…”

He stiffened and didn’t finish but Lorelei knew very well what he meant to say. Her hand trembled slightly while she was pouring the brew and a few droplets fell on the table. She managed to somewhat compose herself and brought a cup to her husband before preparing hers. As she turned back to face him, she realized that he had been staring at her, steaming cup in hand, without even moving a muscle.

“I am sorry, my lord,” she felt guilty for a second, “it was tactless of me. It is safe to drink.”

Saying that, she lifted the tea to her lips but before even taking a sip, her husband took a swig of his. Time slowed down as Lorelei observed his face twisting a bit and his eyes watering.

“I-it’s hot!” he managed to squeeze out as he coughed.

“What did you expect?! It was boiling just a moment ago and you didn’t even blow on it!” The physician in Lorelei chewed him out but quickly her somberness gave way to worry. “Did you scald yourself badly?”

“Only my pride and my sharp tongue have suffered a bit, my lady. Nothing I can’t handle.”

“Why didn’t you wait for me to drink first? It’s-”

“Custom?” Noah gave her a crooked smile. “But if I did that it would mean I don’t trust you. Besides, unless you have some dragon blood in your veins, you would have ended just like me.”

“I would have blown it cold first,” she said, knowing deep down that he was teasing her.

“If you say so, dear wife.” The devilish spark in Noah’s eyes flared up. He patted the cushion next to him. “Don’t stand over there. Come and sit down.”

“That…” Lorelei hesitated, looking at the narrow windowsill. “Wouldn’t it be better to go to the anteroom, my lord?”

“But I quite like it here, my duchess. There is enough space for two. Would you be generous and indulge the wishes of a poor man with a scalded tongue just this once?”

‘More like a honey tongue!’ Lorelei grumbled internally but couldn’t deny that a part of her was rather excited. She carefully sat next to him and cupped her tea with both hands. Was it its warmth that made her body feel on fire or… something else? For a moment she thought that Noah would be able to hear the loud thumping coming from her chest but her husband sat beside her, drinking his tea nonchalantly.

“The taste is excellent,” he said after a couple of sips. “I really needed something like this.”

“How did the meeting end?” asked Lorelei and tried hiding her anxiousness by drinking a mouthful.

“No throats were slit.” Noah exhaled and his finger started circling the rim of the cup. “And we managed to decide on the punishment for the perpetrators, so one could say that everything ended well.”

“What is the verdict?”

“I think it would be best if you don’t-”

“You promised me, my lord,” Lorelei swallowed hard, “not to hide about things concerning me. You can’t deny my involvement in all this, so I deserve an answer.”

“Be it your way,” Noah nodded after some contemplation and a shadow fell on his face. “Since most of the girls in that hellhole were underaged, all brothel patrons we find would be stripped of their ranks and possessions and forced to join the Order of Eunuch-Priests after a public gelding. For everyone actively involved in your kidnapping and the trafficking of the girls, the punishment is to be dismemberment while still alive, and their parts displayed at each of the four gates of Yalda.”

His words slowly sank into Lorelei’s mind. She had watched a public execution only once. It had been the hanging of a pair of notorious robbers. Seeing their twitching bodies on the gibbet, she had thought that it was a horrible way to die, but what Noah had just described…

Lorelei felt her chest tighten, her breath coming out in jagged hisses. She inhaled sharply and coughed, covering her mouth. A warm hand carefully patted her on the back.

“That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.” Noah’s tone was gentle. “Are you alright?”

“I-I was the one who asked.” She straightened up and took two large mouthfuls of her tea, trying to wash away the bitter taste. “From me… and also the girls… thank you. It is a harsh but just punishment.”

“I won’t let anything like this happen again. I swear.”

She nodded with appreciation and concentrated on her cup, finding it hard to speak for a moment. Seeing her somewhat regain her composure, Noah rummaged through his waist pouch and procured a small glass vial, containing thick golden liquid. He handed it to Lorelei, his face remaining grim and serious.

“I know it might be too much to ask right now, but could you perhaps have a look at this thing later. If we know more about these so-called ‘Angel’s tears’, there might be a chance to figure out more about that masked man.”

“And save that poor addicted girl,” Lorelei took the vial and squeezed it in her palm. “I’ll do my best.”

“But first, you promise me to rest.” Her husband gave her a stern but warm look. “You had to go through a lot today.”

“I’ve already told you, my lord, I have thicker skin than one might expect.”

“There are gaps even in the thickest armor.” Noah rubbed his left shoulder. “And words are more traitorous than arrows. Actually, I came not only to see how you are doing or give you additional work but to apologize.”

“No need. I was a willing participant in all this. You never forced me to join the summit.”

“But I also couldn’t stop Neli.”

Lorelei stiffened at his words. A sharp needle pierced her heart. She saw his clear eyes, his face – full of sadness and care, and could not keep it hidden any longer. Maybe he was going to shun her afterward. Drive her away. But she needed to let it all out, and he was the one who deserved to hear it most.

“Lady Nelini was having your best intentions in mind,” she whispered, the words coming from her mouth with some difficulty. “After all, if I were to bear a child, it could be difficult for you to divorce me next year for being infertile. If Prince Lionel has the power and reasons to wed us, he most likely wouldn’t like us to separate that easily. And a child, even a suspected bastard, would give him great leverage.”

“L-Lorelei…” Noah stuttered, looking at her wide-eyed. “You…”

“I might be naïve and not into politics, my lord, but I am no fool. Besides, Lady Nelini was right. That masked man did try to rape me.”

Immediately, his face turned rigid and his eyes squinted. Lorelei could feel the anger bubbling beneath the calm surface, but she had to keep talking. She blinked furiously to clear her clouding gaze.

“He tired. But I swear, he did not finish. H-he pinned me down. I… I couldn’t run. B-but I managed to bite his hand when he tried to touch me. I am sorry, I… I should have told that to the council … y-you can use this to identify him. I b-bit him to the bone. H-he should have pretty c-clear bite marks on his left hand. B-but I swear, I swear, my lord, nothing more happened. You came in time. I swear, you came in time! I swear!”

There was a muffled thud as a half-empty cup hit the floor. Lorelei felt two arms wrapping around her, as she was dragged into Noah’s embrace. Her fingers loosened and her own cup and the vial rolled on the carpet. All she could remember from the minutes that followed was her clinging to his chest and crying like a little child, his warmth, penetrating her body, and his quiet words.

“Hush, everything is fine. You were so, so brave. It’s alright. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”

After what felt like ages, her sobs subsided, leaving her completely drained. Lorelei lifted her swollen face and was met by a pair of warm gray eyes.

“I-I am s-sorry…”

“Don’t,” Noah cupped her face in his palms, “don’t apologize for being hurt and scared.”

“I am s-sorry,” Lorelei sniffed and stubbornly continued, “I ruined y-your coat. And the poor carpet…”

“You…” He looked at her incredulously before coughing and trying to suppress a snicker. “Honestly, you are such a handful, Lady Norden.”

“Sorr-”

Noah didn’t allow her to speak further and instead started to rub her face dry with his sleeve, ignoring her weak protests. Deeming his work satisfactory, he lifted the stunned Lorelei in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently and tucked her in, pulling the blankets up to her chin.

“You need to rest,” he said in response to her mortified stare. “This is an order, Lady Norden.”

“But… Ouch!”

Lorelei gasped as he unceremoniously flicked her forehead.

“Since you feel so guilty, this is your punishment. I want you to rest now and gather your strength. Don’t forget, you need to look into that potion for me later.”

Saying that, he turned around and scooped up the small vial from the floor, placing it on the table near the tripod. He then returned to the bed and sat on the edge, his gaze - peeled on Lorelei, and his back – leaning on the bedpost.

“My lord?”

“You can go ahead and sleep. I will stay here in case you decide to do something foolish.”

“Who could ever fall asleep like that?” grumbled Lorelei but underestimated how sharp his hearing was.

“Would you like me to sing you a song? Shana loved it when she was little.”

“No! I-I mean… thank you…”

“Then close your eyes. I promise, nothing bad will happen to you.”

“People… don’t fall asleep… on command,” she mumbled, feeling her eyelids extremely heavy. She blinked a couple of times but the exhaustion finally defeated her.

“Sleep tight, my duchess,” The sound of his voice made her even drowsier. “I failed you so many times. The least I can do is give you a few hours of rest.”

“N…o…”

She wanted to tell him that he was wrong. That he had saved her time and time again. That without him, she would be in the hands of that bloody cult, a toy for some perverted fanatic and his goons. Instead, what escaped her lips was a quiet sigh as she plunged deeper into the world of dreams. Before she was engulfed completely by nothingness, she felt someone leaning in and planting a kiss on her forehead. Such a pity. This was just part of her dreams, not a reality.

Bent over her, Noah looked at Lorelei’s sleeping face, his chest filled with guilt. He had to fight the urge to kiss her again, knowing very well that he was overstepping the boundaries of their relationship. He inched carefully back to his seat at the bedpost but froze as the frame creaked under his weight. Luckily, this did not wake Lorelei up. As he watched the frail woman huddled under the blankets, the guilt in his heart slowly gave way to anger. He would find that master Argente and skin him alive. He would make sure that monster regrated ever being born.

“I am sorry, Lorelei,” he whispered. “I should have arrived earlier.”