Selene stayed where she'd fallen.
Hours passed. The afternoon light through the windows shifted, lengthened, became golden, then amber, then faded to twilight purple.
She didn't move. Just sat against the chair, hand still pressed to her cheek where the burning had finally dulled to persistent ache, staring at the wall with eyes that saw nothing.
Maids came. Knocked softly. Entered when she didn't respond.
They'd cleaned the ink. Removed the ruined documents. Set the room back to order with practiced efficiency, working around their lady who sat motionless like broken doll.
One brought food, simple meal on a tray, nothing elaborate. Set it beside her with quiet murmur about needing to eat.
But Selene didn't acknowledge it. Didn't even look.
The maid hesitated, then retreated. The food remained untouched.
Evening came. Another maid tried. Different meal. Same result.
