They reached her room without interruption.
Sheila unlocked the door and stepped inside first, holding it open for him. Liam entered after her, and the room closed around them with a warmth and stillness that felt immediately different from the hallway.
Her room reflected her in a way Liam remembered.
It was neat, elegant, and organized without being excessive. The bed was made with pale bedding, the folds clean and precise. A writing desk stood near the window, arranged with stacked books, sealed letters, ink, and a small crystal lamp that gave off gentle light. A few items hinted at Crescent royalty without turning the room into a shrine to her status: a silver-framed crest placed discreetly on a shelf, a folded white-and-blue shawl draped over the back of a chair, and a small polished case that looked more ceremonial than practical.
Sheila removed her coat and hung it properly near the door. "You can sit."
