Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

AILEEN

T he lodge is absolutely magnificent. I can't stop looking around in awe at everything. The floor is covered in a plush material so soft that I can't stop marveling at it. It's only fear of embarrassment that keeps me from rubbing my cheeks on it.

Heavy chandeliers lit with green flame hang from the three-story vaulted ceilings, warm wood beams crisscrossing overhead.

The fires burning cheerily in stone hearths in every room keep the massive space from feeling cold, as do the huge pieces of soft furniture that crowd throughout the mansion in groupings designed for cozy conversation.

I can't stop staring at it.

Brekker stares at me, quiet and thoughtful after telling me about his genetic problems.

"So much wood," I finally say. "I only ever saw a piece of it once, in the museum where I was a, uh, maid. It was the most expensive thing in the whole station, according to the Oolasag we worked for."

The hairy stripe on his head stands up, ruffling slightly like it's been moved by an unseen wind.

"We?" he asks, a slight growl in the syllable.

My lips twitch with a smile, and he glares down at me. He's jealous. Of a we that he doesn't even understand.

I love it.

"My friend and I worked together there. For years, actually, and we lived together, too. She's my best friend." My throat closes up slightly, and tears sting my eyes. "She's the reason I'm here, really."

He stares at me, his eyes glowing slightly. "What happened to her?"

"She wanted me to apply with her to the Starlight Jobs Lottery. We were selected at the same time." The blood drains from my face as it hits me. "We didn't know it was a bride lottery," I choke out. "I haven't heard from her. I haven't tried to call her."

Brekker's hand rests lightly on my shoulder, and he steers me into a vast kitchen. Several people glance up at us curiously as we enter, but all I can do is stare into Brekker's face.

"She needs food. Something nutritious." He barks out the words, and I barely pay him or the servants any attention.

Bridget might be married off already, too.

"Can we call her?" I ask, pushing my hair out of my eyes.

Brekker nods. "Of course. Eat something, then we can check on your friend."

A thousand scenarios run through my head. Detached, I watch as they make me something to eat, worrying about Bridget.

"Is she weak, your friend?" Brekker's question pulls me back into the moment. "Sickly?"

"Bridget?" My nose wrinkles, and I let out a surprised chuff of a laugh. "No. Not at all. She's a live wire. A fighter. She makes the best of every situation."

"She sounds like a good friend." He squeezes my hand, tugging me into a chair at a worn wooden table. Scuffs and scratches span the length of it, the whole thing finished in a honey color that makes the whole kitchen more comfortable.

A bowl of something steaming lands in front of me, and I murmur my thanks to the cook before she scurries off with a tight smile.

"Noodle soup," Brekker says, spooning something red into his own bowl.

"Traditional wedding food?" I guess. It smells delicious, sour and savory all at once, and I inhale deeply, closing my eyes.

"No, just my favorite."

I stir the golden broth with one of the elegant spoons, and vegetables I've never seen before float through it before disappearing under the thick noodles.

He doesn't have to ask me to eat or even remind me. I tuck in with gusto, too hungry to care that the broth is nearly too hot to enjoy.

"Do you like it?" The question is tinged with amusement, and I nod vigorously instead of turning away from the meal. The noodles are the perfect texture, not too squishy and not too hard, and I've never had so many fresh vegetables. Ever.

I drain the bowl, literally not caring one bit about my table manners. Another piping hot bowl is set in front of me a second later, and I scarf it down just as fast.

By the time I finish chewing the last noodle, I'm more full than I can ever remember being.

Brekker's watching me with a satisfied smile, his own bowl of soup empty.

"Better?" he asks, arching one eyebrow.

"It was so good, I could eat twelve more servings. But if I do, I think I'll explode."

"We can't have that," he says seriously, a hint of a grin crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Are you ready to try to talk to your friend?"

I nod fervently. "Thank you," I call out to the woman who brought me the soup as Brekker leads me from the huge kitchen. "It was the best thing I've ever eaten."

She grins at me, waving me off with a laugh, and a little bubble of happiness fills me.

I could get used to this.

A husband who wants to take care of me.

Fresh food, fresh air, and a beautiful place to live.

I think maybe I lucked out in the Starlight Lottery after all.