[Lavinia's POV – Hallway, Leaving Cassius's Chamber]
I walked out of Papa's chamber, macarons still sweet on my tongue, but my head… ugh, still circling his strange words.
"What if one day you find out I abandoned you?"
Why would he ask me that? Papa, who hovers like a hawk, scolds me for skipping one page of paperwork and duels weekly once to check whether I am strong or not. When did he ever neglect me? Ridiculous.
I shook my head quickly. "Nope. Overthinking. Overthinking ruins skin. Stress equals wrinkles. Wrinkles equal losing my crown princess glow."
"Lavi."
I turned to see Osric marching toward me, all knightly and serious as always. His brows were knit together.
"Did you ask His Majesty… if you're allowed to go out and buy a dress?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied with a majestic nod. "I did. Papa granted me royal permission."
"…He did?"
"Yes." I swayed forward, already heading down the corridor.
Osric followed at once, his boots clicking. "Then shall we leave?"
"Yes."
