Breakfast had always been awkward in this house since I arrived , even the servants all had stiff smiles and fake laughter but this morning it felt worse.
Maybe because I barely slept. Maybe because every time I closed my eyes, I could still feel Daemon’s breath against my skin.
I’d hoped the morning chatter would drown my thoughts, but it didn’t. The dining hall was alive with noise , the clink of silver, laughter that didn’t quite reach the eyes, the rustle of silks brushing against chairs.
Maris leaned close and whispered, “You look tired. Couldn’t sleep?”
I forced a smile. “Something like that.”
The smell of roasted meat and honey bread turned my stomach. I focused instead on my cup, swirling the tea just to have something to do with my hands.
Everything was… normal. Almost peace
