Alina woke the next morning exhausted. She lay in bed for a long time, thinking about Cecily. She wanted to help her desperately but she couldn't do that without Austin.
Cecily was the person he had been protecting alone for five years. Even if Cecily herself wanted to step out into the world again, it would never be possible without Austin's decision.
And Alina knew for sure, that when he'll find out she knew about Cecily, he would explode. She buried her face into the pillow, frustrated.
I can't approach him directly. I need a plan.
When she entered the great hall for breakfast later, she noticed the empty chair of Austin at the table. He was in some meeting. She sat down, her eyes slowly drifting towards Audrey. She was glowing.
For the past few days, Audrey had not her been her usual self. She looked restless and anxious. But today she looked relaxed, happy, and relieved.
Has the king written back to her? Has he given her permission to do whatever she wanted?
