Beatrice didn't sleep.
Not really.
She had dozed off at some point, but it had been restless, her mind looping over Francois' words like a broken record.
By the time morning arrived, she felt as though she had barely closed her eyes. Still, she forced herself to move, to act normal, to push aside the lingering unease curling in her stomach.
She wouldn't break.
She couldn't break.
Lily entered her chambers at the usual hour, bright and chipper as always, balancing a tray of breakfast and fresh tea.
"Good morning, my lady!"
"Is it?" Beatrice groaned, rubbing her temples.
Lily paused, eyeing her carefully. "Did you not sleep well?"
Beatrice forced a smile, reaching for her tea. "I had… a lot on my mind."
Lily frowned but didn't pry. Instead, she moved to prepare Beatrice's gown for the day, chattering lightly about the court's gossip. Beatrice barely listened, until she caught something interesting.
