{Ryanna’s POV}
I was woken up by the sound of thunder.
The tiled roof above me was beaten by the rain, steady and cold. My body jerked upright, my heart beating like a warning drum.
Another room.
Another day.
The walls were stone this time, plain and damp. A lone fire flickered in the corner. My bed was narrow, and the sheets were scratchy. A soldier’s quarters, maybe. Or a prisoner’s. I had been sent here against my will. Just the night before. My chest was still tight with grief.
The storm outside roared louder. Wind slipped through the shutters and kissed my skin.
I swung my feet to the ground. No slippers. No servants.
It was time to brave another day.
‘Somewhere out there—’ I thought, ‘some Princess is whining about life being too easy. How ungrateful.’
My hands were callou
