Chapter 44

Alaria

Sienna stood quietly by the edge of the courtyard, speaking to one of the healers. I caught sight of her as I came down the stairs from the east wing.

She looked better, stronger. The bruises that once lined her arms had faded into faint shadows of what had been, and her expression, though guarded, carried more life than when we first found her.

I walked over, offering a soft nod as she turned to me.

“Sienna,” I greeted. “I didn’t expect to see you up on your feet just yet. You still need to recover. It's not easy for you after what you've been through.”

She returned the gesture politely. “Good morning, Lady Alaria. I was feeling the need to walk around, but I also didn't know whether or not I would be allowed to go out and I did not want to trespass, but I also couldn't stay for a very long time. I am that kind. I cannot just sit and not do anything.”

I hummed in response, understanding her perfectly. If anything