My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 415

Lyra

I woke abruptly, like I had been startled from a dream, but couldn't remember dreaming at all. Morning light streamed through the gaps in my curtains, painting the room in pale, diffused color. A soft knock came at the door.

"Princess?" Sela's voice called in. "Breakfast."

I groaned and pushed myself up. "Entrez."

The heavy door swung open and Sela slipped inside, a silver tray balanced on one hand. She was one of the few people allowed to enter my quarters unannounced, and for that, I was grateful. It's a small thing, but small things matter when you're stuck in this godforsaken palace.

"Morning, Sela," I said, dragging the covers off and planting my feet on the floor.

Sela set the tray down on the small table by the window. "Morning, Princess. Tea?"

"Please."

She nodded, pouring a steaming cup. I took it from her, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic. The scent of bergamot and lemon filled the air, familiar and comforting. I took a sip, letting the heat soak into my bones.

"Everyone's at the table today," Sela said, arranging the silverware and plates just so.

I raised an eyebrow. "Really?" That was unusual. My father usually reserved breakfasts for special occasions, like holidays or state visits. For the rest of the time, we made do with our own schedules.

Sela nodded. "King Aldric called for you, but I told them you weren't feeling well. I thought you'd rather eat here."

I smiled tightly. Sela knew me better than most people in this palace. She knew that the last thing I wanted was to be paraded around the table like some kind of show pony, forced to make polite conversation with my parents and whoever else had shown up for the day. "Thanks," I said. "I would have rather."

But then something occurred to me, and I frowned. "Why didn't you just tell them I didn't want to come?"

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