Ariana remained seated as she watched the lady move toward Leah. She said something Ariana couldn't quite hear. Her hands moved to the cup, and her eyes widened.
It wasn't like the glass cups they had back home—the ones that felt like carrying a heavy rock. This one was delicate, light… fragile. She lifted it slightly, curious, trying to get a better look.
But then—her eyes flew wide open as a sharp, unbearable pain shot through her veins, traveling down into her hands. Her fingers released the cup instantly.
It fell, shattering loudly against the floor.
Her breathing grew heavy as she stared at the broken pieces in shock. Just like that, the pain vanished.
She blinked, her voice barely a whisper in her mind.
'W…what just happened?'
Leah rushed to her, worry thick in her tone.
"Queen Ariana, are you okay?" she asked, her face filled with concern as she searched Ariana's hands for any sign of injury.
