"Elder sister…" Bryelle's voice trembled with apprehension as she saw her elder sister, Alvara.
This was the worst possible timing.
Her heart raced as she tried to conceal the white bear plushie behind her back, but her small frame made the attempt futile. The plush was all too visible.
Alvara's gaze was impassive, her eyes coldly assessing Bryelle before she finally spoke. "I heard you once again tried to evade the guards assigned to protect you. Tried… no, you succeeded in escaping them this time, didn't you, Bryelle? Should I commend you for that?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm.
Bryelle's head drooped. "I apologize, elder sister…"
Alvara's expression softened slightly. "How many times, Bryelle? How many times do I have to remind you?"
"I—I just wanted to see more of the outside world…and maybe play a little," Bryelle admitted softly.