On that same day as the evening light crept over the rooftops of Montegnera, slow and pale, painting the narrow streets in soft gold, Elisa moved through them quietly, her shawl drawn tight around her shoulders. The air still carried the chill of dawn, and her breath came in thin puffs as she hurried toward the small, leaning house she shared with her mother. She had only a few moments of respite before she had to return to the palace for another shift. Although there was no shortage of servants at the palace, Elisa often took on extra shifts to make more money for her and her mother.
Inside, the scent of boiled herbs lingered faintly. Her mother lay on the bed near the window, eyes half-open, skin pale against the worn sheets.
"Mama," Elisa said softly, setting down a basket of fresh bread and water she had bought from the baker down the street on her way. "You need to eat something today, you could barely keep this morning's meal in your stomach."
