"Father was dispatched north so urgently that he didn't even return home after receiving his orders." Sophia Riley's brow creased slightly with worry. After a brief coughing fit, she looked at the silent Lina Riley.
Considering that Lina might also go to the battlefield, Sophia worried her words might cause her sister undue concern. Hastily, she pushed a plate of pastries toward Lina. "Try one," she said gently.
Lina picked up a piece. The date confection was soft and sweet, just the way she liked it, but her mind remained elsewhere.
Although this period hadn't been entirely smooth, it was nothing compared to the horrors of her past life. Lina considered herself someone who knew contentment. She'd been almost too happy lately—happy enough to forget these were turbulent times.
