Shortly after Malik left, Elaine could hear several footsteps approaching her room. She remained seated on her bed when the door creaked open, staring at her visitors' gaped expressions.
"Elaine?" Duchess Gustova blinked, confused yet tear eyed. She rushed to her daughter, kneeling then cupping her cheeks, looking into her eyes.
"...Mother, I am fine." Elaine held her mother's arm, attempting to calm her down.
"Are you?" The mother's heart ached as she remembered the events of that day. "I saw your brother carry you a-and--"
"I promise, mother," Elaine reassured her with a smile. She urged her mother to sit next to her instead, holding onto her cold and trembling hands. Elaine then turned to the others, gesturing for them to come in as well. Her father and brothers entered her chamber,
