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chapter twenty five. the search for the princess
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𝕿ALIANA awoke with the sun rising on her skin, she rubbed at her eyes, still heavy with sleep, but her mind raced with fragmented memories from the night before. Slowly, she turned her head—and froze.
The bed beside her was empty.
A frown creased her forehead. She sat up, clutching the covers tightly around her, shielding herself from the chill and the sudden ache of solitude. Her dark hair tumbled wild around her shoulders as she rose, wrapped only in the thin fabric of the sheets.
Quietly, she moved to the door and pushed it open.
In the corridor stood Ser Aeron and Ser Eris. The morning light glinted off their armor, but the weight of their presence made the space feel colder.
Ser Eris turned sharply when he saw her, immediately averting his eyes from the sight of the princess wrapped only in linens.
"My apologies, Princess," he said with measured respect. "Is there anything you require?"
His words pulled Ser Aeron's gaze to the doorway, where their eyes met. Taliana's cheeks flushed with a faint pink.
"Uh—no," she stammered, stepping back inside, covering herself as best she could. "Lady Cerella should be arriving shortly to help me bathe and dress."
Her gaze landed on the floor where her dress lay discarded and crumpled. Her eyes widened in sudden surprise.
Ser Eris spoke without turning. "Lady Cerella is readying herself now and should be here soon." Then, with a sharp slap to Ser Aeron's arm, he broke the younger knight's lingering stare.
"I thank you, Ser Eris. Ser Aeron."
Taliana closed the door quickly, heart pounding. She hurried to retrieve her dress from the cold stone floor, the fabric feeling heavier than it should.
The soft click of the door opening brought her attention to the familiar presence of her dear friend.
"Cerella," Taliana sighed, relief flooding her voice.
