Valentina stood in the silent dining hall for a long time after the doors closed. The guards were gone, following the old master behind. The maids had vanished, careful not to witness what they weren't supposed to. After all, it'll get them punished.
Only the cold breakfast remained on the table, eggs congealing, coffee turning bitter.
She smoothed the front of her cream dress with shaking hands, brushing away dust that wasn't there. Then she turned to her daughters with the brightest smile she could force.
"Everything is fine," she said, voice light, almost singing. "Everything will be fine. If it isn't yet, Mommy will make it fine. You know I always do."
She walked over, cupped Sofia's cheek, then Bianca's. Her fingers were ice-cold.
Sofia raised an eyebrow. "Mom, you look like you're about to cry."
Valentina laughed, too loudly. "What? Cry? Over that old man? Never. Why would I, Valentina, cry?"
