Anemone stared at the purple eyes of the boy she met at the castle. He looked equally surprised to see her too. "Iris, I didn't know you had a guest over. Your nanny didn't tell me you were busy?"
"Lily!" Iris cried out happily. "Come here, come here!" Anemone noticed Lily was carrying a tray of food. There was a bowl of porridge and a plate of fruits. Two glasses filled with milk and juice was placed near the plate. Another plate had several slices of toasts lightly buttered.
Lily smiled at Anemone before moving toward Iris. She followed behind him quietly. Lily placed the tray on a small table and brought it close to the bed. "How are you feeling today, Iris?" he asked as he sat on the bed.
Iris covered her blushing cheeks, a bright smile lighting her face. "I'm better than I was yesterday but you didn't visit me," Iris pouted.
Lily ruffled Iris's head. "They told me you were too sick to receive visitors. I didn't come by because of that. Please forgive me, Iris."
"That's okay," Iris beamed. "I'm happy you came to see me today. Oh!" Iris noticed Anemone standing quietly behind Lily. "Lily, this is my friend and neighbor, Anemone!"
Lily bowed slightly to her. "Yes, we've met before."
Anemone had been staring at Lily's charming smile."I... Ah, yes! We have met before," Anemone flushed as she curtsied slightly. She realized her staring at him was rude. Iris stared at the two suspiciously.
"Lily, I'm saving Anemone for my brothers! Don't steal her away!" Iris protested. Lily held her hand.
"I would never go against you, Iris," he said softly. He flashed another smile at Anemone. "Which brother?"
Iris cupped her cheek, tilting her head in thought. "You're the same age as my twin brother but I don't know if you like older boys. Anemone, do you like older boys or our age?"
"I..." she hesitated.
"You can't deny me, Anemone! This is happening!"
Anemone smiled helplessly. "I'm sorry, Iris. I..." She trailed off as she thought about her engagement. She didn't know if it was known or a secret. Iris mistook her silence for shyness. She nodded in understandment.
"My brothers are very handsome. When you meet them, you will have a hard time choosing for sure," Iris nodded. "Such a shame I have such good looking brothers. I can only look for suitable wives as their only sister's responsibility."
Anemone laughed nervously. "Well, aren't we too young to be married so soon?"
Iris looked at Anemone in surprise. "For nobles, marriage is everything. Don't you want to marry into a good house?" Iris became sad at Anemone's words.
"Well... what about you? Do you have someone you will marry?" Anemone asked. Iris shook her head slowly.
"No one wants to marry me. I'm too sick and may die soon," Iris said softly. Anemone stared, wide eyed in shock. Was Iris really that sick? Hearing laughter, she turned and stared at Lily,
"You still have me, silly." Lily poked Iris's forehead. "Stop making people sad."
Iris rubbed her forehead in annoyance. "Ow... I'm just joking, Anemone. Don't take me serious." She stuck a tongue out to show she was joking and giggled. Anemone thought Iris's laugh seemed hollow. Her stomach grumbled again. She clutched her stomach, embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, I only brought food for Iris. If you would like to wait, I'll summon the maids to come bring more?" Iris asked, concerned. Anemone shook her head and placed the book on the bed, making her way back to the balcony.
"I need to get back anyway. Sorry, Iris. I'll come visit you again later," Anemone apologized.
Iris pouted again. "Please come back soon!"
"Why is she going out onto the balcony?" Anemone heard Lily asked before she closed the door behind her.