Chapter Thirty

Evander’s POV

Alone in my bed, I open my eyes to another day.

I listen to the sounds of the house around and below me, the everyday business of life. Once upon a time, I could roll over and find Aurora smiling back at me, her face still flushed from all the times I made her scream and moan and groan my name throughout the night.

I sigh. Those days are long gone.

I throw back the covers and rise to my feet. I suppose I should get some food. I smile to myself as I head for the door. The new kitchen staff is working out well, but still not as good as what Aurora used to cook for me. But I need to get used to this new reality.

I've barely taken a step when there's a knock upon my door – a timid little thing that I barely heard.

"Enter!" I call. My voice sounds too loud in the empty room, too bold in response to the tentative tap.

A maid scurries in, and even though she keeps her head down and refuses to meet my eyes, I recognize her. Sylvie, Aurora’s old maid – and the only member of the