Fragile Harmony

Harriet saw a smile bloom on the sky-blue-haired woman's face. Every time Harriet looked at Ezra, it was like seeing someone so familiar and gentle, like a cool breeze in the middle of summer.

Ezra's eyes looked empty and dark, but Harriet felt she saw herself in them. Eyes that had been tired of life, eyes of someone who had suffered for far too long.

“I heard you're getting better, Your Highness? I'm really relieved," said Harriet. She held out her hand and Ezra gently reached out to her too.

“Everyone is exaggerating my condition. Obviously, I just caught a cold," said Ezra with a big smile. “Your Grace too, I heard people saw you visiting His Highness Serpentes this morning?”

Harriet shook her head gently. "I'm just a bit tired. Don't worry."

While Harriet and Ezra chatted merrily, Liam and Ezekiel fell silent. Ezekiel was lost in his mind, staring at Harriet and Ezra. Meanwhile, Liam noticed that Ezekiel's eyes were focused on the smile on Harriet's face.