Sunlight was streaming through the bedchamber window when Maxi opened her eyes. Feeling wretched, she slowly surveyed the room. Servants had come and gone, as evidenced by the disappearance of the bath and empty plates. There was no sign of her husband ever having returned.
Did he stay out all night?
Maxi groped the cold sheet beside her. All of a sudden, she scrambled out of bed and put on her slippers. She hastily threw on a coat and, without even brushing her hair, rushed out the door. The morning air was crisp, but she was too livid to feel the cold as she stormed down the corridor.
Just then, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Max!"
Maxi looked back to see Sidina running toward her, her twin braids bouncing on her shoulders.
"I am so glad you made it back safely!" Sidina exclaimed, flinging herself at Maxi and knocking the wind out of her.
The excited girl spun them both around and stepped to one side of the corridor. Her large brown eyes examined Maxi's face.