The private solar had not felt this warm in weeks. Golden afternoon light poured through the tall arched windows, illuminating the dust motes dancing lazily in the air. The scent of bitter perfumes was entirely gone, replaced by the comforting aroma of fresh chamomile tea and polished cedar wood.
Calista leaned back against the plush velvet cushions of the settee, a quiet sigh of contentment escaping her lips as she watched Odesse carefully pour steaming tea into two porcelain cups. For seven straight days, the palace had known nothing but absolute, uninterrupted normalcy—a peaceful stillness that felt almost foreign after the chaos of the past month.
Odesse sat back on her cushion, handing a cup over with a warm smile. "I am really grateful that you have paid me a visit, Lady Calista."
Calista accepted the cup, her smile bright. "I am really happy I did, Lady Odesse, because I was so worried about you."
Odesse looked down at her lap as Calista continued.
