Maria had waited until Alexandria left before she let more tears and sobs come flowing out of her.
She cried herself to sleep, but even so, she was able to sleep surprisingly well.
Getting rejected and heartbroken, breaking the heart of the man you're actually in love with, then getting engaged against your wishes to said man, and having less than twenty-four hours to say goodbye to your family and your home was apparently more than Maria could handle; she was exhausted.
Alexandria had woken Maria up more gently than usual; she probably had sensed the distress the young princess was facing.
She got her dressed in total silence, neither of them knowing what exactly to say to the other.
The maid sent the princess off to breakfast after a long hug and understanding nod, and Maria felt the numbness set in her heart.
Breakfast with her family and the brothers was similar-- no one said anything, nor could anyone look up at her.
They were all horrible at goodbyes.
