Beatrice did not leave her chambers for four days.
No walks, no visits, no council meetings. Meals went untouched, dresses laid out by Lily each morning were left abandoned on the chairs. Elisha became her only company, curled constantly in her lap or sleeping beside her in the armchair. The kitten didn't ask questions and didn't remind her of the bells or the silence that followed them.
She refused to speak to anyone.
On the fifth day, Queen Cecile came.
The guards announced her arrival, but Beatrice didn't rise. She remained seated by the window, eyes unfocused, lips pressed tight. The queen entered without waiting for permission.
"Four days is long enough," Queen Cecile said, her tone even. "Your grief has its place, but this is not it."
Beatrice turned her face slightly toward the light and said nothing.
