Night had fallen over the palace.
The halls were quiet, and most of the servants had already retired to their rooms.
In Lydia's bathroom, the only sound was the gentle movement of the water.
Lydia sat in the bathtub with her eyes closed.
She hummed softly to herself.
It was a quiet little tune, almost too soft to hear.
Xena stood beside the tub, carefully mixing oils and soap into the warm water.
The sweet smell of the oils filled the room.
For the first time all day, Lydia looked calm.
Almost too calm.
She rested her head against the edge of the tub.
Her mind was not as peaceful as her face suggested.
Tomorrow, she would leave for the capital.
Tomorrow, she would stand before the Senate.
Tomorrow, everyone would decide whether she deserved to remain where she was.
But Lydia did not seem afraid.
Perhaps she was simply tired of being afraid.
The door opened quietly.
Anna stepped inside.
She looked worried.
Lydia opened her eyes and glanced at her.
"Anna."
