What have I done?

The training grounds were still abuzz with the echoes of cheering soldiers as Valeria stood with Lysara, Thalric, and Arlen. The crisp breeze carried the scent of dirt and sweat, but none of them seemed to notice.

Arlen's voice sliced through the air, sharp and scolding. "Lysara! How dare you engage Her Majesty in combat like that? It's improper, reckless, and disrespectful!"

Lysara, who had been wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her glove, straightened defensively. "It was just a friendly sparring match, Arlen. No harm done."

"No harm?" Arlen snapped, his tone brimming with outrage. "Her Majesty defeated you without even using magic, while you—you—resorted to Wind Magic! Do you even comprehend the embarrassment you've brought upon yourself?"

Valeria sighed, raising a hand to cut him off. "Enough, Arlen. It's not that serious."

Arlen hesitated, his mouth opening as if to protest, but Valeria's firm gaze silenced him.

"A little combat now and then doesn't hurt," she continued, her tone calm but resolute. "It keeps the body sharp. Besides, I quite enjoyed it."

Lysara grinned, her earlier frustration melting away. "See, Arlen? Her Majesty agrees. No need to blow it out of proportion."

Before Arlen could respond, Thalric approached, his heavy boots crunching against the dirt. His dark hair was tied back neatly, and his piercing green eyes sparkled with approval. He bowed slightly. "Your Majesty, that was a most impressive display. Your form and precision were remarkable."

Valeria tilted her head, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Thank you, Thalric. Though I suspect I've still got a lot to learn."

As the soldiers resumed their training in the background, the four of them remained together, a sense of camaraderie settling over the group. Valeria found herself smirking at Arlen's lingering irritation, finding his overprotectiveness more amusing than annoying.

Just as she was about to tease him, Thalric's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Your Majesty," he said, his tone more serious now, "may I ask you something?"

Arlen and Lysara stopped their bickering, turning their attention to Thalric. Valeria raised an eyebrow, curious. "Of course. What is it?"

Thalric hesitated, glancing briefly at Arlen and Lysara before fixing his gaze back on her. "Why did you make the former Princess Sylphina your personal servant? Historically, individuals of her standing would have been executed. Aren't you concerned she might harbor thoughts of rebellion or worse, assassination?"

Valeria chuckled, the sound low and amused. "Assassination? Sylphina? I doubt she'd be capable of such a thing. The girl's terrified of me."

Her words were accompanied by a dismissive wave of her hand, but Thalric didn't seem satisfied. His expression darkened slightly, his brows furrowing.

"Or could it be," he pressed, "that you're interested in her? After all, she is an Omega, and you're an Alpha..."

The comment hit Valeria like a splash of cold water. Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second before narrowing sharply. She crossed her arms, her posture rigid.

"Don't be ridiculous," she said, her tone clipped. "I only chose her to be my personal servant because I wanted her to suffer under my watch. Nothing more."

She ran a hand through her damp hair, frustrated. The words tasted bitter on her tongue, but she forced herself to say them. Anything to push away the implication that she cared for Sylphina beyond her role as a servant.

Before Thalric could respond, a soft voice interrupted them.

"Your Majesty."

All heads turned to see Sylphina standing at the edge of the group, holding a folded towel and a bottle of water. Her cheeks were flushed, her expression tense.

Valeria's heart sank. The look in Sylphina's eyes made it clear she had overheard at least part of the conversation.

Sylphina approached, her movements stiff and mechanical. She stopped in front of Valeria and thrust the items into her hands without meeting her gaze.

"Your Majesty," she said again, her voice barely above a whisper. "For after your training."

Then, without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away, her head bowed and her steps quick.

For a moment, the group stood in stunned silence, the atmosphere suddenly heavy. Valeria stared after Sylphina, the towel and water bottle feeling uncomfortably heavy in her hands.

"Did she... hear all that?" Lysara muttered, glancing at Thalric.

"It seems likely," Thalric replied, his tone neutral but his gaze speculative.

Valeria exhaled slowly, her grip tightening on the towel. She couldn't shake the image of Sylphina's face the flicker of hurt she'd tried to mask before leaving.

"Back to work," Valeria said abruptly, her voice hard. She turned away from the others, heading toward the edge of the training grounds.

Behind her, Lysara and Thalric exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable. Arlen hesitated for a moment before hurrying after his Empress, his concern evident in his hurried steps.

But Valeria barely noticed. Her thoughts were consumed by the sight of Sylphina walking away, her shoulders hunched as though trying to shield herself from an unseen weight.

What have I done?