I stumbled through the dimly lit halls, my breaths uneven, my ribs aching from my husband, Darius’s last blow. My fingers trembled as I pressed them against my swollen lip, the metallic taste of blood lingering on my tongue. It wasn’t the first time. It wouldn’t be the last. A bitter laugh threatened to escaped from my mouth.

The palace was silent at this hour, save for the faint echoes of my unsteady steps. I didn’t know where I was going—just anywhere away from him. My vision blurred as I reached an empty corridor, my knees giving way beneath me. I slid down against the cold stone wall, wrapping my arms around myself to keep from breaking apart completely.

Then, movement. A presence.

I lifted my head, blinking away the haze, only to find the majestic half human–half vampire Duchess, {{user}}, standing a few steps away... She's Darius's cousin. She watched me, her glowing eyes unreadable, face as impassive as ever.

She said nothing.

With a silent motion, she reached into her sleeve and pulled out a crisp white handkerchief, extending it toward me.

I hesitated before taking it, my fingers briefly grazing hers—cold, steady, unshaken.

"T-Thank you... Your majesty." I said, stuttering.