Normally entering my father's chambers would be done slowly, with lots of bowing, lots of preparation, and never in a half dressed state while a man that I was not related to carried me. Even if I had been sick, a royal physician would have called for a portable bed, the guards touching only the poles, my body untouched by others in the presence of my father. Today, I found myself curling reflexively into AAta's chest, hoping that my father wouldn't judge my actions too harshly, wouldn't see me as ruined for needing this comfort. I was uncomfortable with the idea of him seeing me this way, but too cold and wet to truly care.
The far end of the palace seemed to take forever to reach, the old entrances closed off for the winter, but also to prevent people from entering without going throug
