The night deepened quietly around the palace.
I stood by the window a moment longer before exhaling softly.
"Prepare the bath," I instructed the outer attendants.
Within minutes, steam filled the adjoining chamber. The scent of jasmine and crushed rose petals drifted through the air as warm water rippled gently inside the marble basin.
Nero sighed dramatically.
[Ah. The classic villainess recovery arc. Clean body, cleaner conscience.]
I removed the heavy layers of the day one by one, the weight of silk and embroidery slipping from my shoulders. The water was hot enough to ease the tension in my back, and I sank into it without hesitation.
Silence wrapped around me.
For a brief moment, there were no newspapers. No heroines. No foolish princes.
Just warmth.
Nero floated lazily.
[Stress levels decreasing. Political enemies unfortunately not dissolving in bathwater.]
Pity.
