The light snoring was both annoying and confusing.

“Why the hell didn't you give her a room?” I asked Sarley.

“She didn't want one. She wanted to wait until you got back... she really does expect to spend as much time with you as possible,” she said from behind me.

Sarley had stood upon my return, but hadn't gotten too close to me. I could tell she wanted to tease me, but at the same time was worried I'd grow angry.

Maybe I should.

The young woman was curled up haphazardly on the couch, and was half covered by a small blanket. She was hugging close one of the small pillows that decorated the couch, and the other was a few feet away on the floor.

She looked comfortable, and content. Her light snoring, and that strange smirk of a smile that was half hidden by the pillow, told me she was having a good dream.

In fact she looked too content.

A woman who had just been sold into a political marriage shouldn't look so at ease.

Maybe she wasn't what she seemed...

“Is she a spy?” I asked.

“Telleya?” Sarley scoffed, sounding almost offended. “Nonsense. I mean, she probably will tell everything she hears and sees to whomever she takes orders from... but anyone would. No, she's just making the best out of her situation.”

“Which includes falling asleep leisurely in my office,” I said.

“Well, we just ate. She ate quite a bit, by the way... Nearly as much as me,” she said.

I turned a little to look at the large woman. She was heavier than me, and most of it was muscle.

Sarley nodded, agreeing with me on how insane it sounded. “It's true. It's not surprising if you take into account her lifestyle... from what I've heard and seen, her people are poor. It might have been the first good meal in a long time,” she reasoned.

“Possibly.”

“She also asked for some alcohol, but I decided to not let her have any,” she said.

“Of course she did. Refuse her anything like that from here on out,” I said, glaring at the sleeping woman.

“Hm. Don't want her doing anything stupid after all,” Sarley agreed.

No, I just didn't want her to drink all of the good stuff.

“All in all boss, from what I can tell she's been given an order. To be your wife. She knows it's temporary, and that it's fake... but she'll fulfill it anyway. Do what your told, type mentality,” Sarley explained.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Hmph. I can't even laugh,” I said.

“I don't expect you to. Which is why we will,” Sarley teased.

“I want an eye on her. All times. Several if you can spare them. Let everyone know that although she's a guest, she's also not a member of the Front-Line,” I ordered.

“Got it.”

“And next time get her a room. No excuses. I know you just allowed it because you want to use it as a way to tease and spread rumors,” I said.

Sarley flinched, but didn't seem too bothered at being found out. “Going to be a little hard boss... Quite dedicated, your wife. She's quite adamant in being with you until the end,” Sarley teased.

“She's dedicated to her House, not me,” I retorted.

“Sure, but in theory you're part of her House too now aren't you? Speaking of that do we need to take that into account now? Noth of Derri? The Front-Line of the House of Derri?” Sarley teased.

I turned to look Sarley in the eye, and her smile vanished once our eyes met.

There was a lot I wanted to say, but I knew if I spoke my voice would wake up the cause of all of this.

“Sorry boss... I didn't mean it that way,” Sarley softly said.

With her apology, I sighed and nodded. Why did I allow myself to get so angry over it?

“Let her sleep. Get back to work,” I said, and headed for my desk.

Sarley gave me a silent salute before quietly leaving the room. She made sure to close to the door as softly as possible.

While I sat down, I noticed that my desk was still a mess. Neither Sarley nor the cause of it had done anything about it.

“Pain in the ass,” I mumbled, and went to work cleaning it.

As I worked, the young girl snored. It was not a sound I was familiar to at all, least of all in my office... and it unsettled me.

Glancing to the closed door, I wondered if I should leave too. Or have ordered Sarley to wake her and take her elsewhere.

She made a strange noise with her nose, and then moved a little to get more comfortable. At first I thought she was going to wake up, so I could snarl at her, but instead she returned to snoring.

Blasted woman.

Sorting the mess she had made earlier, and had neglected to clean up, I made sure to do so quietly.

Sometimes having such a competent crew had its negatives. When everyone was so efficient at their job, it meant there was little to do on my end. It’s too bad our lives are so dependent on people being good at their jobs, or I’d purposefully hire fools just to give me someone to yell at.

Still…

Glancing at the girl, I noted that the officer dress she wore was a little loose. Even for a woman her age and size. It had been so readily apparent when she had been in that gown, but for some reason the sight of the sleeves being loose was more distinct.

Maybe it was because it was clothing I saw constantly, and always on people fitted for them.

If she had been one of my own people, I would have worried for her health. I would have ordered others to keep an eye on her to ensure she ate her fill, of healthy meals.

Kana had said nothing was wrong with her, however. Malnourished, yes… but nothing worse. An otherwise healthy woman.

Noticing a torn paper, I groaned when I realized it wasn’t a report but something I needed to send to Sarley. I’d have to redo it now.

Although the snoring woman was my stepping stone to success, it sure did feel as if she was causing me to slip. My desk hasn’t ever looked like this. Not even when the whole Line gets shook from impacts by giant creatures, or cannons from other Lines.

Stacking more papers, I took refuge in the sound of shuffling paper as she snored away.

Hopefully I could finish this ordeal before she made an even bigger mess of my life...

Or at least, before I found myself regretting the messes she’s already made.