Celeste Morning came gray and distant. The light slipped through the curtains like an apology, soft and uncertain. The palace was hushed, the air thick with something I couldn’t name. Not silence, not peace, but a strange stillness that pressed against the ribs. Edgar hadn’t come to my chambers last night. For the first time in weeks, I had slept alone. It was not restful sleep. I drifted in and out, reaching for warmth that wasn’t there. Each time I stirred, I found only the cold shape of his absence beside me. When I finally rose, Selena was already in the living room, sipping tea and trying to appear strong. She smiled when she saw me, but I saw the tremor in her hands. “Morning,” I said, my voice rough. “Morning, Your Majesty,” she replied. Her attempt at formality hurt more than I expected. She had stopped calling me Celeste. I forced a smile, walked over, and touched her shoulder. “You don’t have to do that with me.” She nodded, but her eyes didn’t quite meet mine. Lyra
Last Updated : 2025-10-31 Read more