Aira’s POV
Not thinking not thinking not thinking. I closed my eyes and tried to make my brain go blank. Lalalalala, not thinking.
“Your Majesty?” Chione asked hesitantly. “Are you all right?”
I opened my eyes to see Chione standing over my bed. “Oh, yes, fine. Just fine, Chione.”
She gave me a doubting look but soldiered ahead anyway. “You are meant to be downstairs now, Your Majesty. Prince Knox will be waiting for you. You are to see the worksite again today.”
I groaned. Of course I was supposed to see that dustbowl again today. “You’re right, Chione. I’m sorry. I’ll get up now.”
She helped me out of bed and then got me dressed in something she’d had made, hastily, the afternoon before. It still looked quite nice, despite the speed with which it’d had to be made, and it was much m
