The palace was alive by the next day, more alive than it had been since Lillia woke.
Maidens in her quarters moved quickly through the corridors, though their footsteps softened when they passed certain corners, and conversations that had begun in low murmurs often died entirely the moment a guard or noble came into view.
Even the courtyard, which was usually filled with idle chatter from maidens and attendants tending to the garden was different.
Lillia had noticed this change during her walk to the royal garden that morning; the hushed whispers, eyes following her movements yet so subtle to avoid disrespecting her. She felt the unease hanging in the air as she passed, and it pleased her greatly.
Despite suffering the heat of the fire she had started, it was exactly as she intended
