The moment Evelyn stepped into the quiet hall of Sister Grace's sanctuary, she spotted Princess Melody seated near the arched window, her maid was hovering close. Sunlight spilled across the princess's lap, illuminating the leather-bound book resting there.
At the sound of footsteps, Melody glanced up—and her face brightened when she recognized Evelyn. She waved eagerly, beckoning her closer. Evelyn immediately approached to her.
Up close, Melody's sharp eyes missed nothing. She tilted her head, studying the shadows beneath Evelyn's eyes. "Did you not sleep well last night?" she asked, voice laced with playful concern. "Why does your face look so bad?"
Evelyn made a random excuse. "I'm still a little uncomfortable sleeping in this bed."
Melody nodded in understanding, offering a comforting smile. "It'll get better in a couple of days. I wasn't used to it at first either."
Evelyn hesitated, then asked, "Did you come here to learn manners too?"
"Not exactly. What I learned was more than just etiquette." Melody answered, winking mischievously in a way that hinted at secrets untold.
Evelyn smiled and teased. "You seem to know Sister Grace well."
"Well, I often come here to borrow books from her. My life would be dreadfully boring without Grace's collection." She lifted her chin slightly, gesturing toward her legs in the wheelchair.
Evelyn understood the unspoken meaning but couldn't bring herself to dwell on it. Instead, she shifted the subject. "What kind of books aren't available in the palace? Surely you can read anything there."
Melody's eyes gleamed. "Ah, that's where you're mistaken. The books in the palace are the ones they want me to read. If you crave stories of real folk life—or the secrets buried within those gilded walls—you have to look beyond the palace. Far beyond."
At that moment, Grace stepped out from indoors, a book in hand. Seeing the two already deep in conversation, she arched a brow in surprise.
"I hadn't realized you two were already so well acquainted."
Melody smiled, sunlight glinting off her conspiratorial grin. "Why wouldn't we be? We're family now."
Grace nodded, though her gaze flickered to Evelyn's pallor. "Indeed." she said absently, then caught herself. "And I'm certain your bond will only grow stronger."
The words tumbled out before she noticed Evelyn's strained expression. Immediately, she closed the distance, voice softening. "Are you unwell?"
Evelyn shook her head, forcing a dismissive wave. "It's...nothing. Today's lesson—the curtsy, wasn't it?"
Grace studied her for a beat, then shook her head. "No. You won't need that particular formality much in the days ahead."
Her tone turned brisk, almost playful. "Let's do something enjoyable instead—especially with Princess Melody here. Lessons stick poorly when the mind is weary. A day of leisure might serve us better."
Melody clapped her hands, her wheelchair creaking as she leaned forward. "Splendid! I knew today would be worth the trip."
The group returned to the stable, and the moment they stepped inside, the horse Evelyn and Ruth had ridden earlier surged forward with a joyful whinny. Evelyn's weariness melted away as she dashed to meet it, wrapping her arms around the brown stallion's neck, her laughter muffled against its warm coat. Ruth was quick to follow, cooing as she stroked the horse's velvety temples.
Melody watched them for a moment, then tilted her head toward Grace, a single eyebrow arched in silent amusement. "They've already ridden the horses?"
Grace ignored the question, her voice breezy. "Since Your Highness came all this way, is there anything else you'd like to do? Or want them to know?"
Melody's gaze lingered on Evelyn and Ruth, now eagerly preparing to mount. A slow grin spread across her face. "Riding alone is a bit dull, don't you think?"
She flicked a glance at her maid, July and said. "Let's make today… exciting. Maybe start with something red?"
July immediately understand what Melody meant, she stepped forward, her voice polite but edged with mischief. "Princess Evelyn, Princess Melody has something special to show you."
Ruth, already halfway onto her horse, blinked in excitement. "And after we see it, can we still ride?"
July stifled a laugh . "Oh, I doubt you'll have the energy left then."
July's cryptic words hung in the air, sparking an eager gleam in Evelyn's eyes. She exchanged a glance with Ruth—one of those wordless conversations shared between those who've grown up side by side. With a final pat on her horse's velvety muzzle, Evelyn sighed in mock resignation. "I suppose you've won our attention!" She called to Melody, brushing straw from her skirts as she stepped away.
Ruth lingered a heartbeat longer, whispering something to the white mare that made its ears twitch forward. "Don't wander off." She murmured, giving the bridle one last affectionate tug before hurrying after her mistress.