19Just as Alex predicted, the party dragged on for what seemed like forever. As soon as the last guest was bid farewell and the Councillor had given her leave, she took off as fast as she could go, excitedly kicking off her heels, as she made her way back to her chambers.
The mistresses had her quarters turned down for the night—the curtains were drawn, and the room was aglow by candlelight. Once she shut her door, she let out a deep breath she didn’t realize she was holding and headed directly to the vanity dresser. She decided it was best to get more comfortable before she set out to find Treyan, even as she already felt the exhaustion of the day begin to sink in.
A case for the crown was already waiting on her dresser. With careful hands she gently laid the delicate relic to rest for
