By the time she reached her chambers, the faint weight of exhaustion had begun to settle into her bones. It was not the kind that came from physical strain, but the deeper, more insidious kind—one born from too many thoughts, too many emotions, and far too many unanswered questions.
The guards stationed at her doors straightened immediately upon seeing her. There was no hesitation now, no confusion lingering in their expressions as there had been earlier in the day. They were getting used to it. Getting used to her new look.
"The Queen has returned," one of them announced softly, as though still reminding himself of the truth of it.
The heavy doors were pushed open without delay, and Aurelia stepped inside.
The moment she crossed the threshold, the tension that clung to the palace corridors seemed to fall away, as though it had no place within these walls.
Her chambers remained untouched—calm, quiet, familiar. A small breath escaped her lips. At least here… she could think.
