The room was shrouded in darkness when I opened my eyes, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar surroundings. Then reality crashed down on me—the court chambers, assigned to me after Lucian's death. My hand instinctively moved to the bandage on my face, the slight pressure sending a wave of pain across my cheek.
Mother was asleep in a chair beside my bed, her breathing steady and deep. She'd insisted on staying with me, though I knew she would have preferred returning to our rented rooms. She claimed it was for propriety's sake, but I suspected the truth—she feared what I might do if left alone.
I pushed myself up against the pillows, trying to ignore the throbbing pain. The physicians had given me laudanum for the discomfort, but I hated how it muddled my thoughts. Tonight, I needed clarity.
