CIAN
I waited in my quarters while the minutes ticked by. The aquamarine brooch sat in its case on my desk. Everything was ready for tomorrow. Everything except the knot in my chest that wouldn't loosen.
The knock came soft but clear.
"Come in."
The young Omega from earlier pushed open the door. Behind her, a trolley rolled across the threshold. The wheels made almost no sound on the stone floor. Silver domes covered the dishes. Steam curled from beneath the edges and carried the scent of roasted vegetables and fresh bread.
"Everything you requested, Alpha." She arranged the items with practiced efficiency and moved a napkin half an inch to the left after adjusting a spoon. "Will there be anything else?"
"No. Thank you."
She bowed and left. The door clicked shut.
