At the West Wing of the Royal Estate, Lunaris Kingdom

Princess Riela noticed almost immediately how Beatrice was sulking. It was subtle, the way her shoulders were just a bit too stiff, the way her gaze lingered on nothing while the world moved around her. And that long face…

Beatrice was usually composed, confident in a way that did not demand attention, but today there was an unmistakable weight clinging to her presence.

Beatrice was someone Riela cared for deeply and looked up to like ...