Mara's new room was next to Nico's.
It was smaller than the one she'd just left, but still luxurious. A large bed with soft white sheets, a sitting area, a private bathroom, and a heavy oak door with a deadbolt that opened to the main hallway.
A guard was stationed outside. She could see his shadow under the door.
Nico had shown her the lock from the inside before he left.
"This stays locked at all times. If you need anything, you tell the guard. He reports directly to me."
"And if someone gets past him?"
"They won't." His voice had been final.
He had walked to the door, his hand on the handle. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow we're going into the city."
"Why?"
"The Gala is in three days. You need a dress."
"I'm under house arrest."
"The Gala is Council business. So is preparing for it." His eyes had darkened. "And I'm not sending you into Bruno's trap looking like a victim. You're going to walk into that ballroom looking like a queen."
Then he'd left.
—
