The carriage finally stopped in front of the main entrance of the castle. Tillian opened the door and helped Aideen descend the steps and the moment her feet touched the frozen ground, she was trapped in the sudden embrace of a woman who always smelled like freshly baked pies and clean linen.
"Goodness, Bella!"
The princess staggered but Bella did not allow her to fall; instead, she tightened her hold around the lady's petite body and exclaimed,
"Forgive me my sentiments, My Lady, but I am simply so happy to see you again! That demon Ahspid kept telling us all these horrible tales about the Capital, Safie almost went insane! I am so glad that you have returned unharmed!"
"Come on, Bella, you will suffocate the lady! Save your emotions for later."
Stanis took a step forward and offered the Duke a bow, practically peeled the maid away from Aideen, and greeted the lady in a kind voice,
"Welcome back home, Your Highness."
