"What do you mean by that?"
Elara had never seen the usually playful Lyla this pale, like she'd seen something she wasn't supposed to.
"May I... hah..." Lyla struggled to catch her breath. "May I have a moment to speak, Your Grace?"
Still confused by her maid's behaviour, Elara quickly realised Lyla wanted to speak in private. She gestured for the other maids to leave, then walked with her down a quiet corridor.
"Relax… just tell me slowly. What happened?"
Lyla tried to breathe steadily and calm herself. But before she could speak, another servant came running toward them.
"Your Grace, Judith told me you asked for snacks in the library this afternoon. But she forgot, shall we prepare the Marquess' favourite cake as well?"
The kitchen maid, a small, lively woman, asked with eager eyes.
"Ah, no need. It looks like the Marquess and I will be working through some documents. The cake might be a distraction. Just prepare some fruit and nuts, alright?"
