★ELOWEN★
I sent the message at dawn. The messenger was a young wolf from the stables, eager to earn a few extra coins and discreet enough to keep his mouth shut. I gave him the address and a sealed note, then spent the rest of the morning pacing the entrance hall.
The servants passed me with curious glances, but no one asked what I was doing. I had earned some latitude in this castle, enough that my odd behavior was tolerated if not understood. I walked from the main doors to the staircase and back again, counting my steps, watching the light shift through the high windows.
By noon, I had convinced myself something had gone wrong. The messenger had been delayed, or intercepted, or Alia had refused to come. I stood at the window overlooking the drive, my fingers pressed against the glass, willing a carriage to appear.
It arrived at half past two.
