The dawn of my first full day as Queen had arrived far too quickly. Aurelia had left the previous evening, slipping out of my world like a fleeting breeze.
I hadn't realised how heavy my chest would feel after she was gone, but here I was, staring into the early light with a knot of unease tightening within me.
Today, there would be no more joking about rogue birds or tripping over my feet. It was real, and it was my responsibility.
"Queen Lydia." I whispered to myself, rolling the words around on my tongue like they belonged to someone else. They still felt foreign, too big for me.
The silence of my chambers was thick. The bed, once warm with both of our laughter and shared glances, now felt unbearably large.
The only hint of yesterday's joy was the slight soreness on my neck, reminding me of the bold purple mark Aurelia had left behind. I sighed, covering it with my hand as if it could disappear through sheer will.
