Today was an unusual occasion—the royal palace, ordinarily quiet, bustled with activity. The Princess Royal had made an exception for the Kingdom of Northwind's envoys, arranging fine wines and musical performances.
Sophia Riley originally intended not to leave her room, but Your Majesty suddenly summoned her to join the banquet. She had no choice but to comply. Along the way, her thoughts weighed heavily upon her, and the queen quickly sensed her unease. In truth, the queen herself hadn't planned to invite her; she was merely carrying out the Royal Sister's orders.
Recalling how the Royal Sister wanted to match them as a couple, the queen found herself with a throbbing headache. She couldn't resist, and Sophia had no interest in such an arrangement. They maintained a polite distance.
