Daphne's gaze lingered on the Rose Home until it slipped from sight.
"The Regent will not like it."
Kael's words echoed in her chest, bitterly reminding her that last night, for the first time since their marriage, Alaric hadn't come to her at all.
Not even at dawn. Not even to breathe the same air beside her.
The ache pressed deeper, but she squared her shoulders, unwilling to let it show.
By the time Daphne returned to the palace, the stars had already claimed the sky.
Her body felt heavier than her steps could carry, the fatigue from her monthly weakness mingling with the long day of travel.
Alice and the other maids rushed to her side the moment she entered her chamber.
They eased off her cloak, guided her to the bathing room, and washed her with care.
Fresh linen was wrapped around her frame, soft and cool, before they dressed her in a light nightgown.
She hardly touched the simple dinner they laid out, a small bowl of broth and bread.
