Decreash Imperial Palace
The chamber door creaked open, and a maid slipped inside, her steps soft against the polished floor.
She walked across the chamber to the tall windows, where dawn light pressed faintly against the glass, and with a practiced tug she drew the curtains wide. Sunlight spilled into the room.
Leah stirred in her bed, blinking against the sudden brightness.
Without a word, the maid turned to the bathing arena. Steam already curled from the bronze tub as she poured fragrant oils into the water, the scent of rose and lavender rising with the heat.
She tested the temperature with her wrist, then began laying out silk towels; after that, she glided to the bed, where Leah now lay with eyes open, still void of life.
Ever since William left with Helena, she had been de
