Lisa moved quietly, her hands were folded in front of her, yet her eyes darted about—familiar walls and familiar guards.
Being back at the palace stirred a knot of unease in her chest. She hadn’t expected so much to change in the few months she had left.
She stopped outside the door of Lady Lucy’s chamber and knocked twice.
A few seconds later, the door swung open to reveal Lucy standing, her face angled with a hint of surprise—though not the warm kind.
“Lisa,” Lucy drawled, folding her arms as she leaned slightly against the doorframe. “You finally returned. Took you long enough.”
Lisa bowed her head quickly, her dark hair falling forward. “Forgive me, My Lady. My mother’s condition worsened. I had no choice but to stay longer.”
Lucy turned her back and walked inside.
“Spare me th
