I change quickly, the familiar weight of my uniform calming me somewhat. But even freshly dressed, I can’t erase the feeling of Seth’s hands on my skin, his mouth on mine, the way he claimed me over and over.Focus, Selene.I’m fastening the last button when Zane’s request about the Queen replays in my mind.“The next time you have one of those lunches scheduled, you should tell me. We could meet up afterward.”My fingers pause. I should tell Elara. Not because it’s urgent—Zane can’t do anything without me facilitating it—but because she deserves to know. She should be aware, prepared.I glance at the clock again. If I hurry, I can stop by her chambers on the way to my shift. Just a quick warning, and then I’ll go to work.Decision made, I grab my bag and slip out of Seth’s quarters.The palace corridors are busy with afternoon activity—servants carrying linens, guards changing shifts, nobles drifting toward the dining halls. I weave through them, my healer’s robes granting me passage
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