The summons arrived like a blade wrapped in velvet.
Aliena was seated in the eastern sitting room with her stepsisters when the palace messenger appeared, his uniform crisp, posture impeccable. He bowed low, eyes respectfully averted, though the weight of the moment pressed heavily on the air.
"Lady Aliena, daughter of Duke Edward," he announced, voice carrying clearly, "His Highness, Crown Prince Sebastian, requests your presence in his chambers."
Silence.
It was the kind of silence that rang in the ears.
Lydia's teacup froze halfway to her lips. Helena's smile faltered for the briefest fraction of a second, so quick one might miss it if they weren't watching closely. Hermia, seated beside Aliena, turned slowly, her eyes widening with something between delight and disbelief.
Aliena blinked. Once.
Then twice.
"My… presence?" she echoed faintly, certain she had misheard.
"Yes, my lady," the messenger said smoothly. "Immediately."
Immediately.
