Chapter 27
The Imperial Palace
Liliette’s head throbbed, feeling heavy and disoriented. Her eyes were swollen, making it difficult to open them fully. She had no idea how long she had slept—only that morning had long since passed.
Buried in bed, she stared blankly at the ceiling, struggling to recall how she had fallen asleep. The last thing she remembered was lying facedown on the wooden floor, weeping until her body felt hollow. She had gazed at the closed door for hours, sealed as tightly as a sarcophagus.
Was it a mistake? I must have made the wrong choice. I didn’t have to hurt him so much…
She had berated herself over and over, pressing her forehead against the cold floor and shaking her head.
No, we can’t live like this forever. For his sake, and for the sake of the child who might one day come to us…
