The next morning arrived with a quiet, golden stillness that seemed to breathe new life into the palace grounds. The harsh, biting winds of the northern ridge had softened into a gentle breeze, carrying the fresh scent of damp earth and morning dew.
Down in the royal gardens, the sprawling pathways were framed by thick hedges of winter-blooming white roses and ancient stone archways covered in ivy. It was the one place in the capital that the cloying, heavy floral perfumes of Azure's private bed chambers couldn't reach.
Odesse walked slowly along the gravel path, her hands clasped loosely in front of her simple, pale gray gown. Her long silver hair was tied back with a modest silk ribbon, allowing the morning sun to catch the soft lines of her face. Beside her, Cara kept pace, holding a small basket of clipped lavender, her fingers occasionally reaching out to brush against the leaves.
