Ilaria could not contain her excitement after she returned to her chamber. She all but scurried across the threshold, the hem of her gown swishing around her ankles as though even her clothes were eager to share in her joy.
Melyn was untangling the curtains when the door suddenly burst open, catching her off-guard. Her instinct kicked in immediately that she unknowingly fall into a defensive stance with the duster gripped in one hand, like an assassin ready to strike.
"Melyn! Melyn!" Ilaria's voice rang bright, carrying the kind of unrestrained delight that left no room for restraint. She nearly stumbled over the rug in her haste, pressing both hands to her chest else her heart might leap out. "Mel, you won't believe it! I'm going to a banquet with my husband!"
Melyn blinked, startled at first by the whirlwind of the princess entrance before the words sank in. She slowly steadied herself. "A banquet?"
