Back in her room, after such an intense meeting with the Princess, Althea sat before her desk, which was laden with delicious dishes. However, the food remained almost untouched. Her mind was still wandering in the garden, with the girl with blonde hair and blue eyes filled with despair.
Every bite tasted like paper pulp in her mouth. She remembered every detail, every tremor in the voice, every tear that fell. But what echoed most in her ears were the words the Princess had whispered at the end of their meeting.
"I... I feel so relieved to be able to tell you this," the Princess had whispered, her eyes still red but no longer filled with thorns. "I've heard many rumors that the Crown Princess-to-be is not very intelligent. But, seeing what has happened now... whether you're clever or not, you are a very kind person."
Althea could only manage a small smile, restraining herself from letting her mask slip.
