I left the training grounds with my sword hanging loosely at my side, every step a painful reminder of my stupidity. I should've stopped sooner, but I didn't. And now my hands were raw, my legs were jelly, and my pride? Well, that was still very much intact—thank you very much.
The path back to my bedchamber wasn't long, but it felt like a lifetime. Mostly because of the looks.
Oh, the side glances.
Every servant I passed seemed to think I wouldn't notice the way their eyes darted toward me before quickly looking away. The faint bows they offered weren't exactly brimming with respect either. Some of them didn't even bother hiding the curiosity—or was it pity?
It didn't matter. I straightened my spine, lifting my chin like I didn't feel the stares or the whispers trailing behind me.