Healing

Soon, her ladies arrived, their laughter echoing in the room. They surrounded Alora, easing her into her evening preparations.

As Alora watched them chatter and tease one another, her gaze landed on Helena, who entered the chamber last, her cheeks flushed red.

"What happened?" Alora asked, intrigued.

Lady Calantha, always eager to spill gossip, clapped her hands together. "A prince proposed to Helena!" she exclaimed dramatically.

Alora's eyes twinkled at the news, but Helena groaned, shooting Calantha a sharp look. "I'm not becoming anyone's third wife," she retorted, crossing her arms.

Alora's eyes widened as realization struck about which prince had taken a fancy to Helena, and she choked back a laugh.

Calantha nonchalantly shrugged at Helena, a sly smile playing on her lips, as she selected a blue gown and matching accessories for Alora. "Of course. You've fallen for somebody else."