Mabel stepped into the chamber, her gaze immediately falling on the maid who was dragging a trolley bag out of the bedroom. Behind her, Juniper appeared, clutching a small handbag to her chest. Her head was bowed, shoulders trembling faintly under the weight of shame.
"Everyone, leave us," Mabel commanded sharply. The maids hurried out, closing the door softly behind them in a suffocating silence.
Mabel studied Juniper for a long moment. The young woman's face was pale, her eyes rimmed with red. It might have stirred pity once, but Mabel felt only disappointment now.
"Why did you hide the envelope you received from Ophelia?" she asked.
Juniper's voice quivered. "I… I didn't know it was from Ophelia, Your Majesty."
