Long Journey

Home.

Daphne had enjoyed her time outside, but now that she had once again set foot into her quarters back in Vramid's royal palace, she felt her entire body relax. She was finally home, after all, and no matter how comfortable her quarters were outside or how hospitable her hosts were, it would always be different.

Maisie had set down Daphne's belongings — including the abundance of Nedish dresses she had purchased while visiting Cordelia and Jonah — before scurrying away. She would've loved to stay and listen to Daphne's stories of Nedour as Daphne had promised to share, but with the way King Atticus was searing a hole in the back of her skull.

Now that they were finally left alone, Atticus shut the door behind him and cleared his throat.

"Has traveling worn you down?" Daphne asked, whirling around to meet Atticus's eyes. She walked over and placed a hand over his forehead, wrinkling her nose when she realized there was no increase in temperature.