Yara's POV

My arms were sore as I carted Luna Yulia's laundry down the staircase, but I had no choice but to carry it myself. My body ached from the head down. Marren’s cane har left its marks three days ago. I could still feel every single one of them.

By the time I reached the courtyard, I was almost gasping. I stopped at the edge and scanned the area. It was empty, not a single soul in sight.

“Thank the goddess,” I muttered, dropping the basket beside the large basin in the middle of the courtyard. My fingers shook as I knelt down and started to pull out the...