Absent-mindedly, Portia gazed out the window, her mind adrift far beyond the palace walls. A few minutes ago, she had asked Lily for a coffee, but when the steaming mug was finally placed into her hands, her distracted grip faltered. The cup slipped through her fingers, shattering against the marble floor, and the hot coffee splashed onto her hand and soaked her dress.
"Ah!" she winced sharply, instinctively pulling her hand back. Before she could even lift it to blow on her burning skin, strong hands caught hers. She blinked in surprise to find her worried husband beside her, moving quickly. Without a word, he plunged her hand into a cold jug of water, his movements gentle yet urgent.
"Where was your attention?" he asked softly, his thumb brushing lightly over her wrist as if checking for further injury. His brows were knitted tightly in concern. "You have such tender skin... What if it leaves a blister? It'll be so painful for you."
