Morning found Isabella awake before the bell.
She did not move when Lisa came in with a tray and a smile she tried to keep steady.
“You slept?" Lisa asked.
“I closed my eyes," Isabella said.
“Bring the medicine.".
Lisa brightened a little.
“You'll take it?".
“I'll take everything today," Isabella said.
Lisa set out cups and small jars, the willow and the bitter tonic, the salve, the water.
“Drink," she said, watching as if she were witnessing a miracle that might vanish if she blinked.
Isabella drank.
She ate.
She did not make a face at the bitterness or the sweet.
“More," she said when the broth was gone.
Lisa stared.
“I'll fetch more.".
“Do," Isabella said.
The word sounded like mercy; it was logistics.
As soon as the door shut and the bolt turned, Isabella slid her han
