Lady Bernice's POV
The tea had gone cold.
I noticed it only after I had lifted the cup to my lips and found no warmth left in it.
How long had I been sitting here?
I placed the cup back down gently and turned my gaze toward the window.
The courtyard below was quiet.
And a storm was coming.
Not the kind of storm that brought dark clouds and rain, but the kind that happened beneath the surface.
The kind that reshaped everything before anyone realized what had happened.
And at the center of it….was Valerie.
The girl was living my life.
Or at least, the kind of life I wish I had lived but never had the guts to reach for.
That is also why I was willing to provide my support, no matter how little.
A knock came from the door, pulling me back from my thoughts.
"Come in."
I didn't need to look toward the door to know who it was.
Not many people dared to come to my chambers.
Many feared me, while others didn't know me.
Lilith stepped in with soft steps.
"Lady Bernice."
