"Of course, Your Highness," Lara replied with a slight bow. "We have blackberry and elderberry from last harvest, freshly opened this morning."
"The blackberry, please," Elizabeth said. Though her tone remained formal, there was a hint of eagerness that both twins noticed, a small crack in her royal facade that revealed the twelve-year-old girl beneath.
King Alexander watched his daughter with quiet affection. These small preferences, blueberry tarts, blackberry jam, were among the few indulgences Elizabeth allowed herself. She approached even breakfast with the same disciplined restraint she applied to combat training.
"The royal apiaries produce exceptional honey," Alexander remarked to the twins as servants placed delicate crystal jars on the table. "Each variety has distinct propert
