Aria stood before the king's desk, her back straight despite the ache in her limbs. The study was quiet, heavy with the scent of old parchment and burning oil
I want to know everything that happened while you were in the lower halls."
I don't like repeating myself, Lucien spoke a look of annoyance graced his features.
Aria lowered her eyes immediately, unsure of how to answer the king's question.
"There was nothing dramatic, my king," Aria replied carefully. "Only darkness. Cold stone.
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly. "That room is designed to break discipline into obedience."
"It teaches silence," she said. "And patience."
That answer caught his attention.
Lucien leaned back in his chair, studying her as though she were a puzzle that refused to fit neatly into place.
"Did you fear it?" he asked.
"Yes," Aria answered honestly. "But fear loses power when you don't fight it."
