It was Gwendolyn, standing there with a puzzled look on her face.
"My lady, why are you here?"
"Shh," Lady Rosamund hushed her. "We don't have much time."
"What do you mean?" Gwendolyn asked, her voice trembling.
"My daughter has disappeared, and I need your help to find her," Lady Rosamund explained, making up a story.
"What can I do?"
"I need you to put on this robe and follow me to the dark forest. That way, the dark forces won't find her," Lady Rosamund said, handing her the red robe. The fabric was rich and heavy, its deep crimson color almost glowing in the dim light. As she draped it over the girl's shoulders, her hands trembled slightly.
Gwendolyn hesitated, unsure of what to do. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. It's the only way to save her."
"But, my lady, what will happen to me?"
Lady Rosamund hesitated before replying, "Don't worry. You'll be okay. I promise."
