Queen Sonna made her way back to the carriage with a small smile on her face that wasn't fake.
It was the first real smile she'd shown in years.
The morning breeze brought the faint scent of starlight-cured fruit from Velora's markets, and for once, the sweetness didn't taste like ash on her tongue. She stepped up, the hem of her gown brushing over polished wood, and sank into the cushioned seat as if her body had forgotten the ease of rest.
Yonna's eyes locked on her the moment she entered.
'Hm? She's only been gone a few minutes…'
Yonna examined her sister as if reading a battlefield map. Then she caught sight of the smile, and her breath hitched.
Sonna met her gaze with a small nod.
"S-sister… are you alright?" The words slipped out softer than she meant, tinged with a quiet fear of the answer.
Sonna turned, her eyes warm, the weight of centuries finally easing from their edges.
