Two Rivers Isle sylfaen

siani blinked, the princess’s words catching her off-guard like a sudden gust of wind. she faltered for a moment, her pale gaze lingering on madhuri’s face as if to gauge her sincerity. was this a test? why would a woman of such station care for the opinion of a simple handmaiden?

i… she started, her voice soft and uncertain, barely audible over the gentle burble of the river. for a heartbeat, she stared at the water, buying time, before shifting her focus back to the princess.

it’s… beautiful, she admitted hesitantly, her words careful and measured, as though afraid they might not be enough. a place of peace.

siani lowered her head slightly, a habitual deference, though her eyes flicked up to madhuri again, curiosity mingling with her doubt. why did the princess ask? did it matter? yet, there was something in madhuri’s expression—warmth, perhaps—that made her add, softer still, you chose well, your highness.