Aurora sat still, her gaze fixed on nothing in particular as her thoughts wandered to the days gone by. It had been but a few weeks since Kayden and Marianna were taken into custody, the high judicature hadn't come to a conclusion yet.
The scandal had stirred the kingdom into chaos, tongues wagging incessantly for days. Yet, as always, the tide of gossip shifted, and now the people seemed preoccupied with newer tales, the disgrace of the Royal Family gradually slipping into obscurity.
Her thoughts lingered on Emma, the ache in her chest sharpening with each passing day. Aurora had ensured she was laid to rest in her cherished hometown. But the loss was unbearable; the mere thought of never seeing Emma again brought tears to her eyes. She blinked them away hastily, unwilling to give in to the grief once more.
The sudden announcement of Queen Bathsheba's arrival startled her from her musings.
