Vael arrived with the dawn.
No knock. She used Senna’s rule now turned the tower door’s handle, stepped inside, and lowered herself to the floor across from Aria’s bed.
Aria was already awake. Sleep hadn’t come. She sat propped against the headboard, knees pulled up to her chest, the silver ring catching the first thin grey light through the window.
Vael said nothing.
She settled back against the wall, hands resting loose on her knees, and watched morning fill the room. A small clay cup had come with her. She placed it on the floor near the bed. She didn’t offer it. She didn’t name what was inside.
Aria looked over.
“You haven’t slept.”
“No, my queen.”
“You sat outside that door.”
“Some of it. Senna took the rest.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“I did, my queen.”
Aria nearly smiled.
S
