Returning to the General's Estate, Lina Riley was lost in thought. On her way back to her room, she nearly walked into the wrong one—she still wasn't used to her new quarters.
Life had been calm recently: The Princess Royal had granted her a few days' leave, but the official commendations from the court had yet to arrive. Lina wanted to set up a meeting with Prince Wen and the other noble, but they were both busy.
So with nothing else to do, Lina worked out in the estate's courtyard, throwing punches until sweat soaked her clothes. Only then did she return to her room and treat herself to a hot bath. She lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Outside, the sun shone brightly. Lina glanced over to see Daisy Harper busy at her tasks. Bored, she sprang up to grab the laundry basin from Daisy's hands. "Here, let me help."
Not a second later, Daisy snatched it back. "Miss, I can't let you do chores. If you're bored, go back and rest."
