A Royal’s Loneliness

Enara sat stiffly at the dining table, fingers clenched around her fork as she picked half-heartedly at the remnants of her food. Liria and Daena had already left, leaving her alone with her mothers, their watchful eyes never quite allowing her to sink into the silence she craved.

"Enara," Nyssara began gently, setting her glass down with a quiet clink. "You know we've been watching how you interact with others here in the court."

"Yes," Verida continued, her gaze piercing. "And it's time we spoke about it. Your conduct toward Liria today—"

"She was disrespectful!" Enara interrupted, her voice rising defensively. "She refused to follow my orders. She was practically—"