Chapter 13

Lila's urgency compelled Althea to follow her out of the room and into the sprawling palace hallways. They finally came to rest on the balcony, where Althea couldn't help but arch an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Lila, what do you mean?" Althea inquired, her eyes reflecting her curiosity.

Lila's gaze held a mix of concern and caution as she leaned in closer. "You know exactly what I mean, don't you? I heard rumors that one of the ladies here is a lesbian."

Althea's surprise was evident, and she let Lila's grip on her arm slip away. She furrowed her brows, her thoughts racing. "One?"

Lila arched an eyebrow, her expression tinged with curiosity. "Is there more than one?"

Althea's internal dilemma weighed heavily on her. She knew that Lila might have overheard her conversation with the others, leading her to assume there was only one such secret.