It had been a blatant mistake—rude, even—yet Ingrid showed no intention of apologizing. Instead, she tossed her long black hair over her shoulder, regaining an air of nonchalance—the composure of royalty. Liliette met her gaze evenly before lowering her eyes in a display of respect.
“I apologize, Your Highness,” she said. “As Father Ivan mentioned, I am still unwell. If you would permit me, I would like to take my leave.”
The day Ivan insisted they rescue the Princess, Liliette had agreed without hesitation. It was unthinkable to leave someone destined to become Empress confined in a place like that.
But after spending just a short time in Ingrid’s company, it became clear that if they hadn’t freed her that day, she would have made them pay dearly for it. Their decision had been less an act of kindness and more a preemptive move to shield their lands from her wrath. It was wiser to ignore her provocations than to take the bait.
