A day earlier…
"Claire, you have to get out of bed. Lady Eliza has asked that you attend a fitting for your own dress." Rory said for the thousandth time that morning.
All the drapes had been drawn just to spite Claire, but Claire only covered her face and ignored her.
"This is not fair to me, Claire. You haven't spoken to me since you returned yesterday evening."
Claire slowly uncovered her face. Her eyes were red, as though she hadn't slept a single wink.
"I didn't mean to ignore you… I just wanted to think… on my own."
Aurora climbed the bed.
"Please don't tell me that all this is because of the King."
Claire just folded herself back into the ball she had initially been in and let out a loud sigh.
Aurora ran a hand through her hair.
"I wish I knew what to say to you at this point."
Claire didn't move.
"Would you have lemon cakes with me?"
Claire barely shook her head.
"Would you visit the gardens with me?"
Claire slightly turned but still shook her head.
