Back Where 201
I stood staring at the well–made bed, my heart clenching with emotion. Varyn’s chamber. I had avoided it since my return, treating it like a plague, but today I could not resist.

The maids had tended it faithfully in his absence, but this evening, I had chosen to do it myself.

After lighting the candles, I stepped back, admiring the warm glow they cast. Goosebumps prickled my skin as though his presence lingered here already. Soon, he would be back, resting in this very bed, healing from everything.

Lowering my gaze, I turned toward the exit where my maids waited. Blue and Isolde caught my eyes, so I beckoned them along with the other three and walked into my own chamber.

“I’m going out,” I said simply, reaching for my saddlebag, which Blue rushed forward to carry. “I won’t return until tomorrow.”

“My lady,” Isolde spoke first, her tone brimming with concern. “Will you be alright?”

I swallowed hard at her sincerity.