Bianca visits Lila in the afternoon, her eyes already rimmed red with unshed tears. Her voice trembles as she approaches her friend. She doesn't waste time with pleasantries.
“I think I’m losing him,” she says, her voice soft, cracking in places. “Kaine doesn’t look at me the same. He hardly speaks to me, and he hasn’t said a word about rescheduling the engagement banquet.”
Lila’s expression shifts from surprise to sympathy. She sets her drawing aside and gestures for Bianca to sit. “There’s been a lot going on lately,” she says gently. “The palace has been under stress. Maybe it’s not personal.”
Bianca sits down, dabbing at her eyes with a cloth. “I know. I’ve tried to be understanding. I’ve stayed out of the way, given him space, done everything right, but I still feel him pulling awa
