A few weeks later, Kairen still hadn’t returned.
Cassandra was growing lonely, sitting by herself in the Imperial Concubine’s garden. No matter how many times she had been told not to worry, she couldn’t help but stare at the horizon, beyond the City’s high walls.
She had changed over the past few weeks. Under her new guardian’s insistence, she had started taking better care of herself. She was now used to wearing the beautiful red gowns and jewelry. Every morning, servants would help her dress, put a bit of pink balm on her lips, and brush her hair, suggesting a few hair pins or bracelets, until Cassandra couldn’t take it anymore and ushered them out to finish her preparations alone.
She had finally put on a few pounds too. How could she not have? Kareen made sure she ate plenty at e
