Eve froze as the woman drew her into a tight hug. She blinked, then blinked again. Eventually, her gaze fell upon the younger woman stepping out of the carriage.
The woman's pallor had immediately seized her attention. She was so thin that her gown seemed oversized and burdensome. It looked as though a gust of wind might easily topple her over.
"I've missed you so much!" the woman in Eve's arms sobbed. "How have you been? Did they treat you kindly? Are you getting enough to eat? Or..." the woman stopped mid-sentence, stepping back to examine Eve's face. "Are you already a..."
Before she could complete her sentence, her attention shifted. "Your Highness...." she curtsied. "I am Etessa Lucrecia, Eve's mother and this is..." she gestured towards the woman in the pale pink dress, which made her even look more fragile. Much like Eve, the woman boasted blonde hair and an attractive face. "This is my daughter, Verina Lucrecia..."
