"You don't like Lucian, Miss Rose?" Celestia asked, her voice sweet, accompanied by an innocent smile that didn't quite reach her sharp, watchful eyes.
Rose's brows furrowed, her eyes narrowing as if she sensed an accusation hidden beneath the question. "What do you mean?" she asked, her tone cautious yet firm.
"Oh, I mean no offense," Celestia replied lightly, though her gaze remained steady. "I'm just curious why his room is so far from everyone else's. Why is he staying there all alone? It feels like the rest of you deliberately keep your distance." Her words were soft, but the subtle jab was unmistakable.
Rose stiffened, hesitating for a moment. Her usual icy demeanor faltered as her eyes darted to Lucian. She wanted to speak but found herself tongue-tied. The vulnerability she had shown to Lucian in private now felt impossible to express in front of a stranger especially one as unnervingly poised as Celestia.
"No, I…" Rose began, her voice faltering.
