The scent of crushed herbs lingered lightly in the air, overwhelmed by the sweet scent of honeyed tea.

Liora sat on the edge of her bed, her eyelids heavy with the exhaustion of sleepless struggle over days. The maid, her own childhood handmaid, knelt at her side, presenting the cup with downcast eyes.

"Drink, my lady," the girl panted, her hands trembling ever so slightly. "It will soothe your mind. The elders say to rest is best for mending."

Liora hesitated. The surface of the tea ...