I woke up the next morning and lay there for a long time-staring glassy-eyed at the ceiling.
I still couldn't believe that Rachel had done this to me.
Tears came to my eyes as soon as the events of the previous night flashed through my mind. The feeling of emptiness was much more overwhelming than the hysteria.
When I opened my eyes, I noticed that Rachel was gone. There were new clothes on the dresser for me. I didn't call the maids and changed by myself.
On cotton legs, I went out and went to my room. I didn't want to think about anything. Right now I just… needed some peace.
Thoughts of the imperial seal and the promise to my father did not visit me at all. Even though my attempt had failed, I wasn't thinking about it right now. Or rather, I didn't think about it at all.
When I finally returned to my own quarters, Melinda and Maxie were there to greet me. The latter immediately jumped on me.
