[Lavinia's Pov]
The palace was still in chaos.
I could hear it — the thunder of boots against marble, the clash of steel, voices barking orders into the storm of fear. Panic moved through the halls like wildfire. But none of it mattered.
Not when Ravick opened the door to my chamber and when I saw her.
"…Nanny."
My voice cracked. My legs barely held me, but they didn't care. They moved before I could think — faster, faster — until I crashed into her skirts, clutching the familiar fabric like a lifeline.
Nanny turned the moment she saw me. Her face crumpled — part shock, part overwhelming relief — and then she was on her knees, arms wrapping around me like the walls of the world had finally returned.
"Oh… my little Princess," she whispered, voice thick with tears. "By the heavens, thank the stars you're safe, my precious girl."
She held me so tightly, like she will lose me again. Like if she loosened her grip, I'd disappear into the chaos outside.
