Thaddea's body was taken from me, but I remained on her bed, curled against her pillow, the fading scent of her not lasting past the airing out Lilibeth insisted on.

It didn't matter. The moment the room was cleaned, I settled in again, magic sealing the windows closed, pulling the curtains tight. I only ate because of Pharo, though I spoke not a word to him, bless his faithfulness for caring for me even as he mourned his mother.

He tried to carry me out, take me to the ...