Aldreda POV
The warm water lapped gently against my skin as I leaned back in the expansive bathtub, letting my mind wander away from the pressures of ruling. My hair was tied up in a simple bun, no jewelry adorned my body, and I had purposefully shed the weight of the royal decorations I was expected to wear. I could feel the warmth of the scented candles, their flickering flames casting soft shadows across the room. The fragrant mixture of jasmine and lavender filled the air, soothing my nerves. In my right hand, I held a cup of wine, while a plate of cheese and crackers rested on the ledge beside me.
Music floated through the room—an old tune from my homeland, played by a flute musician seated just outside the bathing chamber. The melody tugged at my heartstrings, reminding me of the s
