"F–forgive me, Your Grace," the maid, while holding the grooming knife, stammered.
Elara noticed the tremble in her hand and chose not to scold her. She merely pressed her lips together, her face warming from the odd mix of pain and ticklish discomfort.
"Let me do it instead," Lyla said, taking the knife from the maid's hand. "This ritual is nearly done. You may all leave, I'll handle the rest," she added firmly.
"But… the head maid said…" one of the maids protested, unwilling to move.
Lyla let out a sigh and turned to Elara with a pleading look. "Your Grace, may I serve you alone for the rest?"
Elara smiled at the question, knowing full well that she was asking her to dismiss the others.
"Yes, you may," Elara said, turning to the others. "You all may go now. It's fine. Thank you for your hard work."
Once the other maids left, Elara sat up with a relieved sigh.
But not even a heartbeat passed before Lyla gripped her shoulders and pressed her back down.
