14

Reaching into the pocket of her gray dress, she hands me a small gold wrapper. “Eat. The sugar will help.”

Opening the tiny package, I see it’s a hard caramel candy. My mother used to give me these when I was little. Sucking on the candy refuels my energy. “Thank you.”

Layla settles beside me on the sofa. She folds her hands neatly on her knees. “You’re troubled about the marriage.”

My chuckle is stale and mirthless. “Was it that obvious?”

“You must remember that this is all to defeat Yannick.”

“Asher said that, yes.”

“It’s the truth.”

“He also said I’ll be free when it’s over with.” I keep my voice casual. “What if getting rid of him takes a long time? Months or even years.”

Layla’s smile is surprisingly tender. “One must do unthinkable things for survival, child.”

My molars crack the candy in two; I chew it loudly. “I’m not a child.”

“No,” she agrees, looking out at the dresses. “You’re a woman who must choose what she’ll wear to her wedding. That’s not a task for the weak-hearted.”