Chapter 64 

Autumn’s POV

The day wore on, each hour bearing a weight on my shoulders. I scarcely remembered the material Elara taught as I rushed through her courses. The approaching meeting dominated my thoughts, a maelstrom of anxiety and expectation.

A dull ache throbbed in my temples as the afternoon light started to dim; a handy justification started to develop on my tongue. I held my stomach, a convincing scowl wriggling my face. "Mrs. Pott," I tapped her, giving her a sign, "I'm not feeling well. I ought to lie down, too.

Mrs. Pott's expression showed instant and real concern. She whirled about me, her hands dancing like anxious birds. "Oh, dear!" You poor thing, she clucked gently. "Let me help you to reach your room."

Her worry radiating warmth like a consoling hearth, she led me to my rooms with a light hand on my back. Once inside, she made sure I got into bed and tucked the sheets about me with a motherly compassion I hadn't known in years.

She said, "You just rest now, dear," strokin