Were it not for the herbal tea administered to Aria the night before, she would not have slept, turning and tossing.
Her short night was filled with dreams of her and Leander making love in ways that made her blush.
She opened her eyes at dawn, her body feeling heavy.
"He's just an attractive man....it doesn't mean I shouldn't have self-control..." She sighed, watching her toes wiggle from underneath the linen sheets.
The sounds of waking had already filled the palace.
She sat up gingerly, looking around.
She had to give it to them — the Vermillion people were really clean.
Even in the semi-darkness, the marbled floors gleamed.
She hobbled up to open the curtains, and morning sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, painting golden patterns across the marbled floor.
She moved slowly but the healer's salves and proper binding were working wonders on her ribs. All other minor injuries didn't hurt anymore.
"My Lady?" There was a polite knock on the door.
