Night descended upon Mithiyana. The curtains swayed softly, casting shadows upon the torches that adorned the walls in the Queen's chamber. Riona's voice filled the air as she babbled to Verna about the tea party she had visited in the evening.
"You should have seen Sabah's face when she tripped! The ladies all burst into laughter. Being as generous as ever, I lent her a hand, but she had the audacity to accuse me instead of__" Riona abruptly halted her words, realizing that Verna was completely unresponsive. A scowl formed as she caught Verna lost in her little world, staring aimlessly at the sky through the open balcony. "Verna! Are you even listening to me?" Riona forcefully shook Verna's shoulder, snapping her back to reality.