Elina sat in the living room, sipping her tea.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching. She looked up and saw Vanessa slowly making her way toward her.
Startled, Elina quickly stood and hurried over to her.
"Are you okay, Your Majesty? Why do you look so pale?" she asked worriedly, supporting her.
The Vanessa standing before her was a far cry from the elegant woman she had known.
She looked thin, her face pale and her eyes red-rimmed, as if she had been crying all day.
Vanessa shook her head, clutching Elina's hand.
"That's not important," she said, her voice strained. "Fenric told me you were bringing Aldric's body. Is that true?"
Her eyes stayed fixed on Elina.
Elina flinched. There was so much emotion in Vanessa's gaze that she could barely breathe.
"I brought his body. He's outside. I'll take you to him."
Vanessa nodded weakly.
Elina supported her as they made their way outside, where the soldiers stood in neat formation.
