When we get to the top level, Midas nods at the guards standing watch in the hall. We go through the doorway together, stopping in the middle of the room. Not just any room—my bedroom. Complete with an attached dressing room and bathroom.
“Ready?” he asks, and I nod, though a small sigh escapes my lips as I look at the gilded bars.
Midas had a renowned blacksmith come to the castle to build this for me. It took weeks, but now there’s an elegant birdcage built into the room, except it’s big enough to house a person, its size easily accommodating all the furniture inside.
Its domed structure is elaborate, swirling metal that coils at the bottom and top, pretty vines engraved into the golden band that circles around the roof.
It’s intricate and beautiful and strong. No man could break the bars, no body could squeeze between them. When Midas promised to keep me safe, I asked him to prove it.
This is him proving it.
He strides toward the cage door, and the hinge doesn’t make a single squeak when he opens it. Midas comes inside with me, both of us passing the bed and chair as I head for the window. The glass panes are rimmed with snow, like powdered sugar clinging to the edges. I don’t have the best view from it, but I still love looking outside.
His fingers come up to play with my ribbons tied into bows at my back. I know the caress is meant to make me feel better. Not just because of the confrontation with Malina, but because as much as I’m comforted by the safety of my cage, I still get lonely inside. Bored. Sometimes, when I sleep, I wake up panicked at the feeling of being trapped.
“Eat more food tonight,” he tells me.
“I will.”
“And play your harp. You’re so good at it.”
I laugh, turning away from the view of the window to look at the golden harp he gifted me a couple of months ago. “You’re just saying that. I’m awful at it.”
His lips twitch. “You’ll get better with practice.”
“I have lots of time for that,” I tease. Though I’d much rather be bored sometimes than be back on the streets with someone like Zakir. If all I have to complain of is a little boredom here and there, then my life is really good. Something I need to remember.
“I have a surprise for you,” Midas says suddenly.
My eyebrows lift, and I bounce on my feet. “What is it?”
His lips tilt up at my brimming excitement. I can’t help it—I love gifts.
“I’m going to have your cage expanded.”
My eyes widen. “What...?”
“It’s going to take a bit of work, and it won’t happen overnight,” he quickly explains. “The carpenters will have to cut out a few walls and build a private hallway to connect to your cage, but when they’re done, you’ll be able to visit the library and atrium whenever you like and be safe in your own space.”
Lips parting in shock, all I can do is stare at him for a moment, like I’m checking to see if he’s actually serious. “Really?” I breathe.
His grin dazzles me. “Really.”
Before he’s even finished answering, I’m launching myself at him, my arms wrapped around his neck as I pepper his face with kisses. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
He laughs, the carefree sound warming me up from the inside, my heart swelling. “I know how much you like the atrium and reading,” he tells me, leaning back to look at me as I pull away. “And you know I like to make you happy.”
“Thank you,” I say again, my face stretched wide with a smile. Once I’m able to go into the atrium whenever I like, I won’t feel so trapped all the time. I’ll have the best view of the castle.
“Happy?” he asks.
I nod through my grin. “I’m happy.”
“Good.” Midas taps me on the nose.
The giant bell in the castle’s tower begins to chime, the sound marking the hour of the night. It trills loud enough to be heard all the way down the mountain and into Highbell city proper, its resonance like rippled air.
When the noise stops, Midas brushes his hand over my cheek. “I’ll see you in the morning. Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight. We have a lot to do tomorrow.”