The sun had fully risen by the time we reached the great hall, its pale gold light streaming through the high windows, painting the stone floors in shades of amber and rose. The hall was quiet, most of its occupants still sleeping, the fires low, the shadows long. Kaelen led me to a bench near the hearth, his hand still clasped around mine, and we sat together in the warmth.
Servants brought bread and cheese and cups of hot tea, setting them before us without a word, then disappearing into the kitchens. I stared at the food, my stomach turning, my throat tight. I had not eaten since before the battle. I did not know if I could eat now.
Kaelen pushed a cup toward me. "Drink. You need to keep up your strength."
I wrapped my hands around the cup, letting the warmth seep into my fingers. The tea was strong, bitter, and laced with honey. I took a sip, then another, and the warmth spread through my chest, loosening something that had been clenched tight since the battle began.
