Her heels clicked on the floor as she walked across it. She was careful to look straight ahead at the man guiding her. Those who saw her thought she looked cool. The eldest princess of Rhodes. Back and shoulders straight, stride long and confident. Chin high, eyes sharp, her expression unbothered by the people staring or pausing to take pictures.
They had no idea of the stress she felt she was under. No idea that, in the confines of the pockets of her jacket, her hands were shaky and clammy. No idea of the number of calming mantras she was forcing herself to recite in her head. This was how anxious she felt when faced with the prospect of seeing her mother again. She would be under a very unforgiving black light. Every flaw would be scrutinised and judged to oblivion. There would be none of the affection most people had with their families. Just the endless criticism.
