{Ryanna’s POV}

I woke to sunlight streaming through thin curtains, warm against my face.

Strange.

I was certain I didn't fall asleep. My eyes squinted open, there I was staring at a ceiling that I had seen a thousand times. Faded wood, engraved beams, and a hanging oil lantern swaying gently from a rafter above me.

The place was warm, with no smell of ash. Just the silky aroma of lavender.

Then a knock came at the door.

"Princess are you up?" a voice called, gentle but familiar. ...