It was the early hours of morning, with the sun only just breaking the horizon when Zelphina was seen sitting under a particularly large tree in the orchard.
She had her knees drawn close to her chest, staring vacantly into the expanse before her, lost in thought.
A few moments later, she let out a sigh and buried her face in her hands. "Zelphina, what have you done?!"
It felt like the hundredth time she had asked herself that question.
Ever since Lyra had escorted her out of Adelia's room the previous day, what had happened replayed in her mind for the rest of the day and she wanted to bury herself in shame.
Her lady had not come out from her chambers since that afternoon, even when Lyra returned later to check on her. The doors had been locked.
