It seemed I had slept considerably longer than I originally intended. By the time I finally stirred and opened my eyes, the sun had already begun its descent, casting the long, amber shadows of late afternoon across my bedchambers, signaling the rapid approach of evening.
Pushing myself up, I sat on the edge of the mattress and glanced around the quiet room.
"Leilah? Regina?" I called out to the empty air.
When no response came, it became apparent that neither of them was present. They had likely slipped away, not wishing to disturb my rest before the grueling hours of carriage travel that awaited us tonight.
