By the time Aliena left the tea room, she felt like she had lived through three different lifetimes in one afternoon.
Old memories. Old wounds. Old versions of herself.
Sebastian didn't say much as he walked beside her down the corridor. He didn't ask if she was alright.
He simply kept his hand at the small of her back.
Present.
Steady.
When they reached her chambers, she expected him to leave her to rest.
Instead, he stopped.
"Change," he said calmly.
She blinked at him.
"Excuse me?"
He raised a brow. "Into something you can move in."
She stared. "Why?"
"We're training."
She actually laughed.
"Now?"
"Yes."
"I just survived my sisters."
"All the more reason."
She folded her arms. "I thought you said I did well."
"You did."
"Then why am I being punished?"
A faint smirk touched his lips.
"This isn't punishment. This is preparation."
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Preparation for what?"
He leaned slightly closer.
"For the next time someone underestimates you."
