Arielle woke up to the soft sound of birds chirping outside her window, the morning light filtering through the heavy curtains of her room. She blinked, momentarily confused by her surroundings. It still felt strange to be in such a lavish room, the soft sheets of the large bed she slept in, the gentle floral scent that hung in the air, the meticulously arranged furniture—it was all a far cry from the dingy cell she had been confined to not too long ago. She took a deep breath, her gaze wandering to the fine tapestries on the walls and the plush rug that covered the stone floor.
She pushed herself up, stretching out her arms as she glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece. It was still early, just after dawn, but Arielle had always been an early riser. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, her bare feet touching the soft rug. The sensation made her smile—she could certainly get used to this kind of comfort.
