Princess Runa stepped into the jewelry room, her fingers brushing over the pearls and rubies laid out for her next appearance.
The air was thick with the scent of lavender and old wood. She had come here to be alone, to clear her mind, and to remind herself of duty.
Then the door creaked open.
"Princess," Immith's voice was soft but urgent. "You left this."
Runa turned, and there she was, Lady Immith, holding out the small sachet Runa had forgotten at rehearsal. Her dark eyes shone in the dim candlelight. Runa swallowed hard.
"You shouldn't be here," she said, stepping back.
Immith frowned. "I only meant to return it. Then the door..." She pulled at the handle, but it would not budge. A deep silence settled between them. They were trapped.
Runa's hands clenched at her sides. Being near Immith was dangerous, not because she feared her, but because she feared herself.
"You always run from me," Immith said, her voice breaking just a little. "Even now."
