Lena's POV
Morning came too quickly.
I woke in my small chamber, my body still aching from the bruises. For a moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, remembering what I'd seen in the dungeon.
The kiss.
Elara and Kaelen.
I'd barely slept after returning to my room. Had lain awake thinking about it. Turning it over in my mind. Trying to understand what it meant.
Now it was morning. And I had to face Elara like nothing had happened. Like I hadn't seen anything.
I got up slowly. Washed my face. Dressed in my maid's uniform. Made myself presentable.
Then I went through the connecting door into Elara's chambers.
She was already awake. Sitting by the window. Still wearing the nightdress I'd helped her into yesterday.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," I said quietly.
She turned to look at me. Her face was calm. Composed. "Good morning, Lena. No one is here Lena, call me Elara."
