Eleven years later.
The palace was still asleep when Circe opened her eyes.
For a few moments she remained where she was, staring up at the canopy above the bed while darkness lingered beyond the windows. The castle had always been quieter before dawn. Even as a child she had loved these hours, when the halls stood empty and the world seemed suspended in time.
Today felt different.
Today Westeria would have a king again.
Sleep had abandoned her long before the first hint of sunrise appeared on the horizon. Carefully, she slipped from beneath the covers, making sure not to disturb Ragnar. He remained asleep beside her, one arm stretched across the mattress where she had been moments earlier.
A faint smile touched her lips at the sight.
There had been a time when the sight of him would have stirred only resentment. Now, after everything they had endured together, looking at him only brought her joy and peace.
She pulled a robe over her nightgown before leaving the room.
