When had Helena begun to fall in love with Edras, the man from beyond the palace walls?
She couldn't quite remember, but recalled that her heart had raced the first time she saw him, especially when she noticed the persistent melancholy in his brow.
Such sorrow hanging on that beautiful face; just seeing it made any lady of the Female Country want to soothe his grief...
Even though it was clear in his expression, why had her mother never realized it?
Although she resembled her mother, Helena's heart was much more delicate. She quickly became acutely aware of her feelings for Edras and knew, of course, that such forbidden affection could never be tolerated by society. Consequently, she could only keep it hidden in her heart, a secret known only to herself.
Still, occasionally, Helena couldn't resist yearning to watch him from afar.
