We were still in the middle of our tense conversation when the door creaked open. In stepped Henri, bowing respectfully, his posture crisp and formal.
"Greetings, your highness," he said, his tone measured, eyes flicking briefly between Lily and me. "I have come to escort lady Lily to his majesty's office. She mentioned she wished to speak with him."
Lily immediately brightened, like a flame fed by oil. She sprang up from her seat with an eager smile, her skirts fluttering softly at the sudden movement.
"Oh! U suppose it's time," she said sweetly, her voice lilting with poorly concealed excitement. She turned to me then, the corners of her lips curled into a subtle, smug smile that dripped with mock sympathy.
"I truly enjoyed our little talk," she said, placing a hand over her chest as if she meant it. "And I genuinely feel sorry for you… being tangle in such a messy situation." Her voice softened, but her eyes glittered with triumph. "Still, I wish you the best. Truly."
