[Lavinia's Office—Later—Lavinia's POV]
The scratching of quills filled the air. I was hunched over parchment, determined to stay focused, while Rey sat across the office scribbling away as though he were competing in a speed-writing contest. Sera, calm as ever, moved quietly between us, pouring tea into two cups with a grace that made me jealous.
Then—SLAM!
My forehead met the desk with a thud that made the inkwell rattle. Rey jumped in his seat; Sera nearly spilled the tea.
"Ughhh… I can't concentrate!" I groaned into the wood.
Rey leaned back with a sigh, twirling his quill between his fingers. "What's wrong with her now?"
Sera gave him a look and replied softly, "Maybe she's overworked."
Temple Library.
My thoughts had been circling it since the High Priest's invitation. I wanted—no, I needed—to go there, to dig up anything about Marshi's powers. But Papa had forbidden it, saying only the Emperor or Empress could enter.
