She dropped every book she took from shelves and tucked her paper in her dress again and as she made her way out, she felt an almost inaudible footfall behind her.
Glancing back, she saw Rose, the elegant woman from before, walking in step but with her own grace and purpose.
Rose acknowledged Salviana with a soft smile, but neither spoke as they exited.
As they neared the library doors, Salviana finally broke the silence, glancing at Rose with a curious, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Miss Rose. I truly respect your interference earlier and I enjoyed our conversation… I've come to realize it's rare to find someone so easy to speak with here."
Rose's blue eyes softened as she returned the smile. "The pleasure was mine, Lady Salviana. And don't let Enid trouble you. His words hold little weight, and your presence here speaks louder than anything he could say."
Salviana nodded, feeling a warm reassurance in Rose's words. "Thank you for that," she said.
"And please call me Rose, the formalities are unnecessary, we're friends now,"
Salviana's eyes brighten while Rose smirked, "Thank you, you can call me Salviana too," she said tucking her hair behind her ears again. "And if you'd like to join me when I paint next, you're more than welcome." She invited.
Rose's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "I'd love that. I admire art, though I admit I have no talent for it myself. Watching you paint might just be an inspiration." She said.
Salviana laughed softly, feeling a sense of camaraderie she hadn't anticipated. "Inspiration is all one needs sometimes," she replied. "I'll let you know once I'm settled. It would be wonderful to share that time with someone who understands."
Before Rose could reply, a maid approached, her expression tense and urgent. "Miss Rose," she said with a quick curtsy, "your presence is needed immediately in his chambers."
His chamber? Who, Salviana wondered but her face was plain and devoid of that thought.
Rose gave a slight sigh, her serene expression shifting just a touch. "Duty calls," she said lightly, though there was a glint of reluctance in her eyes.
Salviana inclined her head in understanding. "Of course. We'll have more time soon, I hope."
Rose reached out, giving Salviana's hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "Until then, Salviana." With a final, graceful nod, Rose turned and followed the maid, her elegant form quickly fading down the corridor.
Left alone, Salviana resumed her walk back to her chambers, the faint echoes of her questions stirring in her mind as she walked under the quiet watch of her guards, her thoughts now fuller, her questions sharper.
As they reached a familiar path. Salviana paused and turned to her guards, she found they were three now making her frown in wonder of why,
She offered them a polite but hopeful smile. "I know the way back from here, truly," she said, her tone reassuring. "You can take a break or… perhaps, something to eat?" She gestured kindly, hoping to persuade them.
The guards exchanged glances, clearly hesitant, their brows knit with uncertainty.
"My lady, we are to escort you back safely," one of them finally said, his tone both respectful and cautious.
She waved a hand dismissively, her smile warm. "I appreciate that, truly, but I wouldn't ask if I wasn't certain. I'll be fine—this is my home now, after all."
The older guard, shifting uncomfortably, muttered, "It is our duty, my lady…"
"Yes, and you've done it admirably," she replied, softening her tone. "But I'd like a moment to myself. Just to think. You needn't worry—I'll head straight back."
They hesitated a moment longer, but finally, after a few quiet exchanges, the guards gave reluctant nods.
"Very well, my lady. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call upon us," one of them said, bowing slightly.
"I won't, thank you," she said, her gratitude genuine. With a nod of farewell, they stepped back, watching her with a mixture of respect and lingering doubt.
Once the guards turned away at her request, Salviana exhaled softly, her steps light as she continued down the corridor alone, savoring the brief freedom.
The silence felt different, almost liberating, as she wandered through the vast hallways, letting her thoughts drift.
As Salviana wandered through the expansive castle grounds, the faint sounds of laughter and chatter drifted through the open corridors.
She turned to see a small group of children playing, their bright laughter echoing through the hallway. Her face softened, a natural smile forming as she took in the scene.
But as she looked closer, Salviana noticed two girls playing near the edge of the courtyard. One of them—fair-haired and dressed in a light, flowing gown—glanced up, catching sight of Salviana.
The girl's eyes widened, and she suddenly turned and ran, leaving the other girl watching her with a puzzled expression.
Curious, Salviana approached the remaining girl, her steps slow and gentle, as if not to frighten her. "Hello, sweetheart," she said softly, her tone light and welcoming. She noticed a few maids standing by, keeping a careful watch over the children.
The young girl looked up at her with wide eyes and a friendly smile. "Hello," she replied, her voice bright.
"How are you?" Salviana asked sweetly. She simply adored little kids.
The girl shifted, "I'm lovely, thank you for asking."
Salviana smiled, pleased by the girl's cheerful response. "And who was your friend? The one who ran away?" she asked, keeping her voice casual, though her mind lingered on the child's reaction. She hadn't expected a child to avoid her so abruptly.
The girl glanced toward where her friend had disappeared and shrugged. "That's Madison. She's a shy one." She said but Salviana didn't think that.
Salviana's heart skipped.
Madison? Irene's daughter, she realized.
How was she that healthy? And fully clothed ?
Wasn't she supposed to be naked in bed at home from the hot water her husband had supposedly drenched her in?
She didn't want it but that was supposed to be a girl in pain if she imagined the pain of hot water correctly.