The heavy silence of the royal bedchamber was broken only by the sound of Odesse's soft, uneven breathing. She sat curled against Valex's chest, her fingers clutching his tunic as the quiet tears she had held back all day finally spilled over. The warmth of his arms was her only sanctuary against the unnatural chill slowly seeping into her bones.
"I fell right into her trap, my king," Odesse whispered, her voice cracking under the weight of her realization. "Everything... everything was designed to bring me to this exact point."
Valex held her tighter, resting his chin gently against her hair. His chest rumbled with a deep, comforting hum. "It is not your fault, my love. You acted out of mercy for the people. You must not carry the guilt of her malice."
