Daphne smiled warmly, touched by her sincerity.
Before she could answer, Emma appeared in the doorway. Her steps faltered when her gaze landed on Daphne.
"Daphne," Emma said quietly, her voice strained. "You came."
.
.
There was something different in her eyes; shadows of guilt.
Daphne inclined her head politely. "Emma."
The silence that followed was thick, only broken when Lianna clasped Daphne's hand, drawing her closer.
"Come, sit. You must rest. Tell us everything, you've been hidden away too long."
They moved into the sitting room. Lianna fussed over Daphne, calling for tea and warm bread, her concern spilling from every word.
"You've been unwell, haven't you? You look better now, but you mustn't hide these things from me, Daphne. I'm your friend. I would have come to you, no matter what."
Daphne squeezed her hand gently. "I'm fine now . I just needed time. And now… things are different."
Lianna's brows lifted, her eyes searching Daphne's face. "Different how?"
