Elle's Pov
I'm in my old room, though it's been refurnished since I was last here. The quilt Nana sewed is still draped at the foot of the bed, but now the space includes a sleek oak vanity, fresh cream curtains, and a gold-rimmed mirror that wasn't here before. The air smells like lavender and polished wood, with that crisp winter scent Woodbury always carries indoors with it.
I'm half sitting, half sprawled across the bed, phone pressed to my ear.
"Yes, Martha, I saw them," I say quietly. "No decisions until I'm back. And remind them. I'm on leave, not gone. How are my children?"
A pause.
"Alright, thank you. Take care of them for me, if you need anything talk to Camila, she'll let me know."
I end the call with a sigh and let the phone drop onto the duvet.
A soft knock follows.
A young maid enters with a calm, careful grace; gray dress, wool apron, neat braid over her shoulder.
"My lady? Nana has taken her evening medicines and is awake now. She asked for you."
