The morning arrived too soon, daylight filtering through the curtains and gently pulling me from sleep. For a moment, I remained still, acutely aware of the four women who had somehow managed to arrange themselves around me during the night. Cecilia's golden hair was spread across my chest, Rachel curled against my right side, Seraphina had claimed my left arm, and Rose had nestled against my shoulder. Their peaceful expressions made the prospect of leaving all the more difficult.
I carefully extracted myself, a maneuver requiring dexterity and patience, and slipped away to prepare for the day ahead. By the time I emerged from the shower, they were awake, the dreamlike quality of the night before replaced by the stark reality of my imminent departure.
"What time are you meeting the Martial King?" Rachel asked, attempting to keep her tone casual as she smoothed her rumpled clothing.
