A small smile tugged at Lucrezia's mouth. "I shall try to behave."
She gave a harmless look. "See that you do."
For the first time that evening, Lucrezia felt her chest loosen. She had been so focused on escaping the discomfort of Vaeron's chamber that she had not realised how badly she needed a moment of ordinary companionship.
Nalia did not know who she really was. She did not know about her mother, her mission, or the secrets hidden beneath the name Anastasia. And perhaps that was precisely why it was so easy to speak with her.
Was it terrible of her to want something like this? Just an ordinary companion where she could be a normal person around? Not with a title hanging above her head, or a duty following her wherever she went? Was that selfishness? Or was it stupidity?
Nalia moved toward the chest and pulled out a clean nightdress. "I can find you something to sleep in, if you like. It might be a little short, but it should fit."
"Thank you. That would be wonderful."
