"I…"
Sylvia's throat tightened, the words lodging like a stone. She should say it. She had to. She should tell her mistress what she had overheard the previous night; the prince had begun to doubt her. He questioned Aldric, asking if there had ever been anything between them.
She had to tell the princess that dangerous seeds had begun to take root in Leroy's heart. Seeds that, if left alone, might fester into poison.
She looked into Lorraine's eyes. They were kind, always, but distant now. Tired. Faded like silk left too long in the sun.
Sylvia opened her mouth to speak… And closed it again.
"I…" she whispered once more, but her voice gave out. Her courage failed her.
Lorraine tilted her head slightly, watching her with quiet curiosity. She said nothing, simply waiting.
Sylvia looked away, ashamed. She could not hold that gaze.
"I just… hope you feel better soon," she murmured at last. Her hands clenched behind her back.
