Lorraine relaxed into the warmth of the bath as Emma gently massaged her scalp. Beside the tub, Sylvia sat in silence, methodically scrubbing her skin with a soft cloth.
There were no fresh bruises today. At least, none that looked severe. The few faint marks that lingered would fade by morning. Sylvia couldn't tell if it was because the princess had asked the prince to be gentle… or if the prince had simply chosen to hold back.
Either way, she was grateful. As long as the princess remained safe, nothing else mattered.
She hadn't dared to follow Lorraine into the tower last night. She'd stayed away for her own sanity. They'd remained there for a long while. Long enough for Sylvia to fear the worst.
But Lorraine hadn't emerged broken. She looked… radiant. Rejuvenated. Like a woman who had found her balance. It seemed she had taken control of "it."
Good for her.
