As Salviana made her way back to her chambers, the sky grew darker, the air heavy with the promise of rain. She sighed, dreading the inevitable dash she would have to make through the downpour.
The first drops were already beginning to fall when she heard the hurried patter of footsteps behind her.
"Salviana!" a soft, lodic voice called out.
Turning, she was surprised to see Princess Florence Velthorne hurrying toward her, a large umbrella in hand.
The princess’s golden blonde hair glinted even in the dim light, the wavy strands tucked neatly behind her ears. Her gray eyes sparkled with warmth as she held the umbrella out to Salviana, a nurturing smile on her lips.
"Quickly now, before we’re both drenched!" Florence said, raising the umbrella high enough to shield them both.
Salviana smiled gratefully and stepped under the umbrella. Though the large canopy shielded their heads, the wind carried the rain, misting their dresses as they walked.
"Thank you, Florence. I was just resigning myself to a soggy run back to my chambers," Salviana said with a chuckle.
Florence laughed lightly, her voice as graceful as her movents. "Well, we couldn’t have that, could we? Lucas insists on buying far too many umbrellas. He’s so worried I’ll catch a chill, though I’ve told him a little rain never hurt anyone." She glanced at Salviana with a playful smile.
"If you ever need an umbrella, I’m your supplier."
Salviana joined in the laughter. "I’ll keep that in mind."
The gentle pitter-patter of rain accompanied their steps, and the two won fell into an easy conversation.
"How’s the baby doing?" Salviana asked, glancing at Florence’s delicate fra, which barely showed any sign of her pregnancy yet.
Florence’s cheeks flushed a soft pink, and her hand instinctively went to her stomach.
"Quite well, thank you. Lucas insists on treating like I’m made of glass, but I can’t fault his care. He’s over the moon about the baby."
Salviana smiled warmly. "It’s wonderful to see you so happy." After a brief pause, she added hesitantly,
"I hope you weren’t upset with for announcing the baby’s gender at the tea eting the other day. I should have let you share the news in your own ti."
Florence waved the apology away with a graceful gesture. "Oh, Salviana, it’s fine. Truly. If anything, I’m to bla for blurting it out at the table before Lucas had returned. He would have liked to be part of that mont."
"Well, you’re forgiven if I am," Salviana said with a grin, and they both laughed softly.
The rain began to fall harder as they neared the princess’s chambers. Florence glanced at Salviana with a serious expression. "Abigail, Crown Princess Lilian, and I ca to your chambers earlier today to let you know there’s a eting tomorrow with all the ladies of the court. We’ll discuss the arrangents for the upcoming festival. We were hoping to catch you, but Alaric said you weren’t available."
Salviana’s brow furrowed slightly. "Oh, I’m sorry for missing you. I was... preoccupied. Alaric has been quite protective of lately."
Florence’s face softened with understanding. "That’s nothing to apologize for. It’s sweet that he cares for you so deeply. Lucas is the sa way—always fretting over , though I suppose I can’t bla him. The n in our lives are far too good at worrying."
They reached Florence’s chambers, the warm glow of candlelight spilling out from the windows. The princess stopped at the doorstep and turned to Salviana. "Here, take the umbrella," she insisted. "You’ve still got a ways to go, and I’m already ho."
"I couldn’t," Salviana protested, shaking her head. "You’ll get soaked running inside."
"Nonsense, I’ll be fine," Florence said with a teasing smile. "It’s just a few steps."
But Salviana was firm. "If you insist on being generous, then I’ll repay the favor by making sure you get inside dry."
Florence laughed softly, touched by the gesture. Together, they made their way to the door, Salviana holding the umbrella as Florence hurried inside.
"Thank you, Salviana," Florence said warmly, pausing in the doorway. "Would you like to co in for tea? It’s nearly evening, but I’d love the company."
Salviana shook her head gently. "Thank you, but I’d better not. I’d like to have dinner with Alaric tonight. We’ve hardly had a mont together lately."
Florence nodded in understanding, her gray eyes twinkling. "Of course. Enjoy your evening."
As Salviana turned to leave, the rain picked up again, drumming against the umbrella. Despite the gloomy weather, her spirits felt lighter.
Florence’s kindness and warmth lingered with her, a reminder that even in the storms of court life, there were monts of connection and understanding that shone through.
Salviana reached her chambers, oblivious to the silent gaze that followed her from the shadows.
The faint echo of her footsteps faded as she stepped inside, leaving the stormy evening behind.
The comforting warmth of her room greeted her, candles flickering softly against the polished wooden panels.
Her three maids—Emma, Sarah, and Thalia—were already bustling about, their practiced efficiency a testant to their dedication.
"Milady!" Emma exclaid, hurrying over to help Salviana out of her rain-dampened cloak. Her hands worked swiftly, yet gently, unfastening the clasps with care.
Sarah approached next, carrying a basin of warm, scented water. "You must be chilled from the rain, milady," she said softly, setting the basin on the nearby vanity. "We’ll have you warm and comfortable in no ti."
Thalia, the youngest and most energetic of the trio, was already preparing a fresh gown for the evening.
The soft fabric shimred faintly in the candlelight as she draped it over the nearby screen. "Shall we do your hair differently tonight, milady?" she asked, her tone eager yet deferential.
Salviana smiled at their attentiveness, allowing herself to be guided to the vanity. "Thank you, all of you. Let’s keep the hair simple tonight—sothing elegant but quick. Alaric will likely be back soon."
The ntion of the prince seed to light a spark among the maids. They exchanged knowing smiles as they set to work.
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