The next morning, soft early light seeped through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the room.
A gentle knock sounded before the door slowly opened.
"Princess," came a calm voice from one of her personal maids. "Your bath is ready."
Felicia stirred from a light doze by the window—not from deep sleep, but from gentle waking.
She hadn't gone back to bed.
The wooden chair beside the window creaked softly as she sat upright.
Her gaze lingered briefly on the distant wall where he had been the night before.
But now, it was empty.
She said nothing, only giving a small nod.
Her maids moved with practiced grace, helping her to stand without a word.
They took off the outer layer of her sleeping gown, folding it carefully, then guided her across the room to a large, round wooden tub.
It had been freshly filled; steam curled softly from the surface, carrying the faint scent of herbs.