The morning sun filtered through the heavy velvet curtains, casting soft golden light over the grand duchess's chambers.
As Grand Duchess Amana stirred awake, her temples throbbed with a dull ache. She blinked against the light, confused for only a second before the memories of last night came rushing back.
The banquet. The wine. The spinning room. The things she said.
"Oh gods…"
She muttered, her voice raspy as she sat up slowly and covered her face with both hands.
"I didn't… I couldn't have said that out loud… right?"
But the silence of the room didn't reassure her. A horrible pit formed in her stomach.
She could feel the weight of her actions, the vulnerability she had shown, and how she had so brazenly declared she might actually like her fiancé. Her partner in war, for gods' sake.
Slipping out of bed in a panic, she grabbed her coat and tried to tie her hair back with trembling fingers.
She needed to get out of here. She needed to escape before—
