(Lina)
I woke up the next morning feeling like I was still dreaming. The palace was quiet and filled with the soft early light of dawn. For a moment, I lay there, staring up at the high ceiling, letting the peace of the morning wash over me.
It was a rare feeling these days, waking up without Nicholas's shadow looming over me. Finally, I was free from him. I was free from that constant stress, the unspoken threats, and the endless nights of wondering if I was being watched.
I stretched out, feeling a little sore from yesterday's exploration of the library. Slipping out of bed, I got ready for the day, brushing my hair and pinning it back the way I always did. Today was going to be different, though. I'd decided that. No more letting things happen to me. I was going to take action.
