The next day, the royal doctor left Highmore Manor with a grave expression and spreading the news that Lady Elara Highmore would be bedridden for the next month with minimal movement and limited visitors allowed.
"Oh my, how terrible for Lady Elara," one of the maids whispered while dusting the silverware.
"I know! She still hasn't recovered from the emotional damage of that dreadful trial, and now she has to be confined to four walls too?" replied the other, arranging the silverware back in place.
Within two days, rumors began circulating around the capital. Some said the princess's and heiress's horses had struggled to maneuver the terrain between the hills and forest. These rumors were backed by the royal family's decision to close off the area and deeming it under construction. Follow-up rumors suggested that the hills were to be completely demolished and the road would remain closed until then.
