The morning light crept slowly through the carved lattice windows, spilling golden patterns across the floor of my chamber. Yet for me, there was no warmth in it—only the cruel reminder that with each passing hour, she drew closer to leaving.

I sat in silence, fingers folded against my knee, the stillness around me broken only by the faint crackle of burning coal in the brazier nearby. Beyond the inner partition, I could hear the low murmur of voices—the gentle splash of water, the movement of maids, and every now and then, the delicate sound of her breath. Saanvi.