Back to Seraphina's perspective in the carriage, first person.
The carriage swayed gently as it carried us away from the church.
I kept my gaze on the passing streets at first, watching the people thin as we left the temple district behind. The air inside the carriage felt heavier than it should have been. Perhaps it was only my thoughts.
Elias sat opposite me, one arm braced against the window, jaw set in quiet contemplation. The sunlight filtering through the curtains caught in his dark hair, softening the sharpness of his features. To the kingdom, he was composed, commanding, untouchable.
To me, he looked angry.
I folded my hands in my lap.
"Elias," I said carefully, breaking the silence. "What happens to women who go to the temple for forty-nine days of purification?"
His eyes shifted to mine immediately.
For a moment he did not answer. Then he exhaled slowly, the sound heavy with reluctance.
