Noella stepped forward before Vienna could speak.
Her voice broke through the heavy silence of the hall.
"Sister Vienna. Can we talk? In private."
Vienna's eyes narrowed, but she gave a curt nod.
The two women turned and walked toward balcony.
The door closed behind them with a solid thud, leaving the rest of the household frozen in place.
On the balcony, morning light poured in painting the stone floor in patches of sapphire and gold.
Noella leaned against the railing, arms cross, expression tense.
Vienna faced her with chin high. "Speak Noella."
Noella exhaled sharply, before saying, "Cousin, before you pass sentence on him… tell me honestly. Do you feel even a little sad about punishing him? About sending him away forever?"
Vienna's composure cracked. Her lower lip trembled once before she pressed it into a thin line.
Very quickly, tears gathered in thr corner of her eyes.
Her lips quivered,
