VALERIE
I stepped aside to allow Amelia into the room, surprised and confused by her visit. She hadn’t returned home yet? What had she been doing in the palace all this time?
Regardless, she smiled warmly upon me and stepped into the room, a jar of something in her hands. “I thought I would bring you some antiseptic salves. I made them myself. They’re quite useful for treating wounds.”
I took the jar from her, grateful for the offer. I did not have any injuries of my own, but I would have to use it to treat Lucia’s wrists. “Thank you, Mistress Amelia.” She did not seem set on turning and leaving then, so I stepped aside and gestured awkwardly. “Please, come in.”
Her smile faltered a little and she stepped past me. She took in Xavier’s room—the grand accents on the walls, the shimmering
