The morning after the judgment, the palace was quiet. For once, there was no fear, only the sense that the shadows had been cut away.
In their chamber, Daphne sat by the window, her hand curled lightly around a cup of tea.
When Alaric stepped out, fastening his cloak, she turned.
"Ric, I want to visit the consorts today. And… the new Empress Katherine."
His gaze sharpened instantly. "Why?"
"Because they've lived through years of pain. They deserve to see that things are changing. Katherine and Jenny are both expecting, and they need peace, not isolation. If I can ease them, even a little, I must."
He studied her with that familiar, piercing gaze, then sighed, brushing his thumb against her cheek.
"You're too good, Daphne. But fine. Go. I'll see to it that their guard is doubled."
Her lips curved in a small smile. "I didn't expect any less from you."
.
.
.
The harem had transformed. Once a place of poison and quiet suffering, it now seemed lighter.
