“Your Highness!” Poppy ran toward me, grabbing my arm just as my knees buckled like I was going to fall. I walked out of the library, holding the heavy book I’d dropped against my chest as I nodded my head.
Every step felt like a thousand needles were digging into my feet and my head was filled with so many thoughts that it felt like it could swell up and burst. I gritted my teeth, leaning into Poppy’s shoulder as she helped me down the quiet hall back toward my quarters.
“I need a bath,” I muttered, my voice dry.
“Dahlia, but—”
“Please,” I cut her off, turning to pull away from her. “Cold water. And I want to be alone.”
Poppy hesitated, biting her lip like she wanted to ask more, then nodded. She opened my door and helped me inside, worry written all over her face.
When she left,
