RISSA POV
The sun was already high in the sky, casting sharp shadows across the courtyard as the clink of chisels on stone and the grunts of labor filled the air. Servants carried massive blocks of limestone, their bodies bent under the weight, their tunics damp with sweat. Dust coated everything—the air, the stones, and even my skin—but I barely noticed.
This time, I was the one supervising them. Ivan was busy taking care of the twins, Cyril and Caeden. They had fallen ill months ago, and though he insisted he was okay and could focus on his duties, his concern for them had been clear. He hadn't left their side, and even though I offered my support, someone had to oversee the rebuilding of the castle.