After dinner, Portia walked back to her chambers, her footsteps slow and thoughtful. As expected, Cristiano wasn't there. Again.
She looked around the empty room and sighed. A flicker of frustration passed through her eyes. This wasn't the first night she had waited. She sat by the window, hoping he would return, hoping for even a glimpse of him or a word exchanged but the hours ticked by, and he still didn't come.
By midnight, her patience gave way to a stronger frustration. With a sharp breath, she stood up and moved to her wardrobe. She took off her delicate nightgown and slipped into a simpler, more formal dress, one that still held the dignity of her position, but wasn't as restrictive.
Just then, Lily entered the room and noticed the change. "Your Highness," she asked gently, "are you going somewhere?"
"Yes," Portia said without hesitation, adjusting the sleeves of her dress.
