Vent

I stormed back to my room, my thoughts a tangled mess. The encounter with Veryon left me rattled, my heart still pounding in my chest. What in the world was I thinking? I couldn't shake the heat of his gaze or the way his body had pressed against mine.

Maidservant Tae trailed behind me, her usual curious self. "Milady, are you all right? You seem... flushed."

"I'm fine," I snapped, quickening my pace. I didn't have the patience to answer her probing questions, not now.

When I finally reached my chambers, relief washed over me—only to vanish as soon as I opened the door.

There, on my bed, sat Lucius and Ariel. Lucius looked oddly bandaged, though it was clear Ariel had been the one to tend to his wounds. The wrappings were uneven and haphazard, clearly a child's attempt. Ariel beamed proudly, oblivious to her handiwork.

Maidservant Tae's sharp eyes immediately assessed the situation. "Your majesty, would you like me to redo those bandages?"