Liora woke up before dawn, long before the palace stirred, long before Gonzalo even realized she was no longer lying beside him. The moment her eyes opened, she felt that heavy pressure in her chest again, the one she refused to acknowledge, the one that made her legs feel like they weren't fully her own. But she pushed it aside. She had already collapsed yesterday. She was not about to let anyone treat her like glass.
Especially not Gonzalo.
She stood, steadying herself with the edge of the bed for two seconds. Only two. Then she walked out.
She already knew where she was going.
The training ground.
Warriors had already gathered, warming up for the morning drills. The air was cold, crisp, carrying the metallic scent of steel. Warriors bowed when they saw her, surprised but respectful. Some straightened immediately, unsure if they should speak. She didn't give them the chance.
"I'm fine," she said quickly. "Continue."
