Renee blinks twice, thrice by the question. Efthalia stares at her waiting for her answer. She had already pledged that she would be honest, and she seemed to get the idea of what she was supposed to answer.
'Say something...say something or he'll become suspicious.' Renee's mind was running here and there and with no other option, she answered, "a companion of mine helped me. She refused to dismiss her identity. I apologize Your Majesty."
'I apologize but Lucien refused to let anyone know it was her.'
'Lucien?'
Efthalia didn't respond immediately but silently stares, not satisfied with the answer he received. He moved to the next question.
"What is your relationship with lady Lucien? You seem close to her."
"Eh?"
She didn't think a question like this would be asked though she was grateful that he didn't question about the secret creator of the tonic but this. It seems unavoidable.
