Sera turned to her, clearly surprised. "My lady…?"
Valerie shook her head slightly, forcing a small smile. "I'm suddenly not hungry."
Sean did not ask another question.
He only bowed briefly. "As you wish, my lady."
Without a single protest, without unnecessary curiosity, Sean signaled the guards. Sera and Lira quickly adjusted their steps, following Valerie as she turned away.
They left just like that.
Valerie did not look back.
Yet every step away from the bakery felt like leaving behind something far greater than an uneaten pastry a small hope for simple happiness, once again taken by reality.
Behind her, Ivanka's laughter still echoed in her mind. And Demian's smile… lingered, haunting her thoughts.
Valerie walked straight ahead.
With a calm face. With a heart in ruins.
Valerie returned to the castle as dusk approached.
