Rosamund
I stumbled out of the hall, not knowing where I was going.
I just continued through the corridor blindly, past the footmen who pressed themselves against the walls, down a staircase that looked similar to every other staircase in this palace, and through a set of glass doors that opened onto a terrace and out into the gardens.
I had intended to go back to my room, but somehow I ended up here instead. Since I was here, I might as well take advantage of nature's gentle offerings. Without thinking, I started deeper into the garden, clamping my mouth shut to stop the tears from flowing.
I made it to a stone bench beneath a row of well-pruned yew trees before my legs gave out. I dropped onto the bench, pressed my hands over my face, and let it all out.
I cried, releasing every pent-up emotion from these past few months. I cried until my ribs ached and my throat was raw and there was nothing left inside me but a hollow, ringing emptiness.
