Beatrice’s PovThe next day dragged on far longer than it should have.I moved across the castle grounds with a tightness in my chest that refused to ease, no matter how many times I told myself to breathe. My hands went through the motions of my assigned tasks automatically, carrying baskets, delivering messages, cleaning tools that barely needed cleaning. My body worked, but my mind was elsewhere, stretched thin and frantic.I couldn’t reach my brother.Every chance I got, I tried to move closer to the holding wing, even if it meant taking a longer route or inventing an errand that didn’t exist. Each time, a guard stopped me before I got anywhere near the corridor that led to the cells.“That area’s restricted,” one of them said flatly, blocking my path with his spear.“I just need a moment,” I replied, forcing calm into my voice. “I have a message.”“From who?”I hesitated for half a second too long.“Move along,” he said, already turning away.I tried again later with a different
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