"Princess."
Serena's voice broke through the air again, softer this time but threaded with concern.
It was the tenth time she had called Lumina's name that morning, and each time it felt as though her words vanished before reaching her.
Lumina blinked slowly, fingers tightening around the cup she held. "Yes," she replied at last. "Lady Serena."
Serena exhaled sharply. "I will not lie. Ever since you arrived today, you have been elsewhere. You are listening, but not hearing." She folded her arms. "Is the poison troubling you again, or have you finally decided you should have allowed me to hurt Rhynera when I had the chance?"
Lumina sighed and tilted her head back slightly. "Are you certain you are well?" she asked again, gently deflecting.
Serena studied her face, the faint tension in her jaw, the way her shoulders remained rigid even while seated. "Do not do that," she said. "You are not fine."
