Surrounding Larissa were noble ladies, predominantly dressed in black yet showcasing distinct styles reflective of their respective origins from around the world. Directly across from her stood the Queen of Emoria, shedding tears beside Baroness Frieda and the Duchesses of Emoria, with Sasha and Lidya by their side.
Inclining towards her sister, Adela murmured quietly, "Lari, I must take my place next to Her Majesty now for the songs to begin. Relax, all right? I will find reasons to come and talk to you a couple of songs later."
Larissa nodded from beneath the veil immediately, yet Adela sensed a reluctance to part from her. As she took a few steps away, heading towards her mother and the Baroness who made room for her to stand between them, she belatedly understood why it was challenging to put distance between them.
