Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen

Scarlett’s POV

I woke up when I heard a gentle knock on my chamber door. I rubbed my eyes and stretched, trying to shake off the sleep that still clung to me. It took a moment for me to fully comprehend that I was back in the waking world. Who could be looking for me at this time? In a sleepy voice, I asked, "Who is it?"

A voice I recognized immediately came from the other side of the door. "It's me, Your Grace."

A spark of familiarity ignited within me. The guard speaking was my personal guard. As his words registered in my half-awake mind, a small smile formed at the corners of my mouth.

I responded, my voice still heavy with sleep, "Please come in."

The door creaked open, revealing him in the doorway. He was dressed in his usual attire, his armor and his weapon fastened to his side. His dark hair framed a face that carried an air of determination and respect. As he stepped forward, our eyes briefly met, conveying a silent understanding that words couldn't capture.

"I'm sorry for di