Left to herself, Alicia found herself enveloped in a hushed atmosphere, the echoes of silent whispers swirling around her like a delicate dance of secrets.
She turned to see the interested small faces of nearby maids and servants, their eyes brimming with curiosity and conjecture.
A hum of talk permeated the air, and glances and whispers lent an aura of intrigue to the already vibrant atmosphere of the magnificent palace.
Alicia could hear the quiet hum of whispered talks all around her, and she couldn't help but notice two curious girls not far away. Encouraged by a mutual interest, one of them pushed her friend.
"What's holding you back? Go and ask her," the girl suggested in a hushed tone, their words hanging in the air like an invitation to unravel the mystery that seemed to surround Alicia.
With equal curiosity, the other girl glanced in Alicia's direction and then exchanged a wary look with her friend.