On the night of the full moon, Elis was attended by her side in her chamber to help with the preparation. She moved carefully, almost reverently, as she laid out the clean linens and set a basin of warm water near the edge of the room.
Henrietta watched her from the chair by the window.
Elis's hands trembled, not enough to spill anything, but enough that it was noticeable if one knew where to look. She had always been efficient, brisk even, but tonight every movement carried hesitation, as though she were afraid of doing something wrong simply by existing in the same space.
"You don't have to look like you're about to be sentenced again," Henrietta said quietly.
Elis startled, then immediately bowed her head. "Forgive me, my lady."
Henrietta sighed, feeling melancholy at how things h
