Bella took one more big sip of her chocolate, savoring the warmth, then handed the mug back to Aunty Clara with a shy smile. "Thank you, Aunt Clara. It was so delicious."
"Anytime, dear," Aunty Clara said fondly. "Now, go see those boys and don't let them bully you into sparring," she added with a playful wink.
Bella giggled softly and followed the maid out through the side hallway, her heart beating a little faster with each step. Scarlett's right, she told herself, clutching the little pep talk in her mind. Tonight, I'll be brave.
The maid led Bella through the garden path that smelled faintly of freshly watered grass and blooming flowers.
As they turned the corner, Bella spotted the familiar faces of some of the guards stationed around the grounds. They looked so serious in their black uniforms, eyes sharp as they scanned the area but when they caught Bella's soft gaze and shy little wave, more than one of them cracked a small smile and gave her a polite nod.
