[Imperial Palace—Lavinia's Chambers—The Next Day—Lavinia's POV]
I was sprawled across the couch like a cat in sunlight, one leg propped up on a pillow, the other dangling lazily off the side. My toes rested on Osric's lap as he sat at the end of the couch, utterly absorbed in the task of painting my nails. His brows were furrowed in concentration, lips pressed tight as though this were the most important mission of his life.
Solena perched proudly on his shoulder, her golden eyes following every stroke of the brush like a hawk. Between the two of them, I almost felt like I'd hired a professional nail painter and his little assistant.
Meanwhile, Marshi lay curled on the rug near my feet, yawning so wide his big fangs showed before rolling back into a nap. The whole scene felt strangely peaceful—like the world outside with its whispers and executions didn't exist.
"He must've been executed by now, right?" I asked absently, stretching my fingers above my head.
