The next morning arrived with soft sunlight spilling across the palace corridors, warm enough to paint the marble floors in gold. Shellia rose early, fully intent on continuing her empress lessons. After yesterday's barrier reinforcement, she felt physically exhausted but emotionally steady—more than ready to resume her responsibilities.
Or so she thought.
When she arrived at the study room, Diana Dravienne was already waiting. With her pale-blue hair cascading like moonlit silk and pink eyes as sharp as the blade she carried, Diana looked impossibly serene. Her expression, however, left no room for debate.
"You are not studying today," Diana announced the moment Shellia stepped inside.
Shellia blinked. "But I'm fine. Truly, I can—"
"You are exhausted." Diana's tone was soft but merciless, the voice of someone who had already decided. "Your magic output yesterday was beyond normal strain. Rest, Lady Shellia. That is an order."
