Lina Riley couldn't understand why the Lucille Everard of her past life had spared her. In that previous lifetime, they hadn't had such a tangled web of interests. After pondering it thoroughly, only one plausible reason emerged: the Crown Princess must have appreciated her abilities.
The more Lina thought about it, the more convincing this explanation seemed. To be recognized by Lucille Everard delighted Lina, making her smile broadly. Realizing she might look foolish, she grew a bit embarrassed and stealthily glanced around. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice; she wore a mask, after all.
As Lina reassured herself, the chestnut mare approached and lowered its head. Lina patted it gently, "Good girl."
