The princess nodded again, her eyes still cast downward. Emma, determined to lift Sophia's spirits, decided to try a different approach.
"Hey, Your Highness," Emma said, putting on a silly grin. "I heard the prince's dancing skills are so bad, they'll make you cry... but not in a good way!" Emma chuckled, trying to coax a smile out of Sophia.
Sophia's gaze flickered up to Emma's face, a hint of amusement dancing in her eyes. Emma seized the opportunity, launching into a series of silly impressions of the princes' dancing.
She wobbled around the room, flailing her arms and making "ca-ching" noises with her mouth. Sophia's lips twitched, and she let out a small giggle.
Encouraged, Emma continued her antics, making Sophia laugh despite herself. For a brief moment, the princess forgot about her troubles and let herself enjoy the silly moment.
As the maids packed up Sophia's belongings, Emma kept up a steady stream of jokes and funny impressions, trying to keep the princess's spirits up. It was a small respite, but Emma hoped it would give Sophia the strength to face whatever lay ahead.
As they pack, Sophia's thoughts were interrupted by the memory of her mother's words. She had to go meet her sisters and bid them farewell. Who knew when she would see them again? The thought sent a pang of sadness through her chest.
She left her room, leaving Emma and the other maids to continue packing. Sophia took a deep breath and began the long walk to her sisters' rooms, hoping to find them before it was too late.
After checking their rooms and not finding them, Sophia asked one of the guards if he had seen her sisters. The guard nodded and pointed her in the direction of the garden.
Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "The garden?" she repeated. It was past 5 pm, and her sisters rarely ventured out at this hour. Something was amiss.
Curiosity getting the better of her, Sophia made her way to the garden. As she approached, she heard the sound of laughter and chatter. She pushed open the garden door and was immediately struck by the sight before her.
Her four younger sisters, all dressed in their finest gowns, were gathered around a figure Sophia didn't recognize. They were all smiling and laughing, and Sophia's eyes narrowed as she tried to make out the stranger's features.
As she drew closer, Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. The stranger was a young man, with piercing blue eyes and a charming smile. He was effortlessly charming her sisters, and Sophia couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity.
Who was this mysterious stranger, and what was he doing in their garden, charming her sisters? Sophia's eyes locked onto the young man, and she felt a spark of interest ignite within her.