The Servant Hall

She didn't follow him.

She also didn't have any kind of clock or watch, so that was...

Actually not the smartest idea. She had no idea how long she'd been sitting there, and it was so easy to lose track of time.

...She didn't regret it though.

Sitting out in the garden didn't feed her body, but it did give her peace and comfort that no other place did. And there was the chance...

She had boldly said she'd force her way back out here if she had to, but if he simply placed guards, there was no real way she could get past them.

Not in this frail body, for certain.

Clearly he knew that.

Anyone who glanced at her would know that.

So...

She stayed until the sun began to set and the chill began to become unbearable. Only then did she push herself to her feet, shivering and walking back into the palace. Her teeth chattered, and she rubbed her arms with her hands.

The hallways were silent.

And she realized...