Anastasia frowned at Elizabeth's words. She knew nothing good would come out of Elizabeth's visit; she had merely underestimated her sister's rudeness.
Elizabeth did not care about Anastasia's reaction. She stepped gracefully into the hall, her light pink gown shimmering faintly under the evening sun.
"Dear sister," she greeted again, her voice soft and honeyed, though the smirk at the corner of her lips betrayed her true intention. "I hope you don't mind my sudden visit. Father insisted I deliver his message personally. He was quite… concerned after hearing the news."
Anastasia rose slightly from her seat, maintaining her composure. "Lady Elizabeth, you are welcome. I was not expecting you, but you are a guest."
Anastasia subtly denied their kinship. Her voice was calm, though there was a cold edge beneath it.
