The first light of dawn crept softly through the curtains as Lara stirred awake. Stretching her limbs, she realized she had slept dreamlessly, the kind of sleep that wrapped around her like a cocoon and refused to let go. Perhaps it was the first real rest she'd had since their relentless ten-day journey. But was that truly the only reason?
A lingering warmth and subtle scent of flowers still clung to her thoughts, an unfamiliar comfort she couldn't quite place.
She got out of bed and went to the corner, where a washstand stood. The night before, Reya had thoughtfully placed a jug of water and a basin on the washstand, which didn't have a sink or plumbing. It was simply a small counter with enough space to hold the small basin and jug.
Underneath the washstand was a chamberpot, which Lara awkwardly used. She promised herself that during her stay at the manor, she would spend time introducing a flashing toilet, if not one that was more hygienic and less smelly.
