The sound of morning birds drifts in through the open window, refreshing after a night spent working myself to the bone in this room. I take a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs.
I hope whoever she is enjoys it.
I've done everything I can to make it perfect for her.
Heavy footsteps echo down the hall.
I turn and open the door.
"Dear husband," I say lightly, stepping aside. "What are you doing here?"
He smiles as he enters. The room is tiny compared to him—but then again, most things are. His eyes sweep over the space, lingering on the details.
"This is excessive," he says. His tone is stern, but not unkind.
"Not excessive enough for a girl her age," I reply. "It's important to try and capture a sense of home. And based on the report, she's quite the brewer, cook—and a reader."
He exhales through his nose.
"Based on Kaelith's report, she will not survive for long. I'll be surprised if she even makes it through the trial."
"You can't say that for sure," I say, shaking my head. "And besides—her life matters. The time she spends with us matters, just like everyone else's."
He turns toward me.
"The only thing that matters to me is you, Maria."
I shake my head, unable to stop a small smile.
"You never treat me as Number Two… but still."
I lean into him and kiss his cheek.
"Maybe you should try to be a little kinder to her. She comes from a sheltered life."
He sighs and turns away, already walking toward the door.
"Life will not be easy on her."
He pauses just long enough to finish the thought.
"Especially not the life of The Twenty-Five."