She pressed a handkerchief against her mouth and tried to breathe slowly, hoping the nausea would pass. At one point, she considered leaning out of the window to get some fresh air, but the moment she looked outside, she realized that the procession had attracted a considerable crowd. People had gathered along the roadside, cheering and waving as the royal carriage passed through their settlements. Some were standing on doorsteps, others had climbed onto fences for a better view, and a few children were running alongside the procession until the guards chased them away.
Lina had no choice but to abandon the idea of sticking her head out the window. Instead, she straightened her posture, arranged her expression into what she hoped was a dignified smile, and began waving to the crowd.
