The Cozy Return

The ride back to the palace felt interminable. The sun was long set by the time the walls of the palace swallowed up their carriage.

Even with the sound of the horses and carriage, even with the sound of rain drumming against the roof and ground, even with her occasional gentle words or a softly made sound by either Darrach or the boy.

Even with all of that.

There had been such a weight in the silence that had enveloped the carriage. It felt more real than any of the other things around her. It felt heavy and tangible and solid.

Rache wanted nothing more than to escape from it.

And when their journey finally, mercifully, came to an end, that relief seemed like a bittersweet blessing.

There was life and activity in the palace around them - much more than their escort of guards had been - but on the other hand...

It was essentially being returned to her cell in a prison.

Or. At least to her prison itself.