Fractured bonds

Holding steadfast to the promise she made to Bastian, Adela ensured she remained in the mews until twilight. However, as she made her way through the garden and reached the intersection where the fountain dominated the surroundings, she unintentionally came face to face with the last person she wanted to see at that moment—her mother.

There was no avoiding it now; it was too late to pretend they hadn't seen each other. Adela curtsied formally before her mother. "Your Excellency."

"Adelaide," Grace's voice sounded tired as she addressed her daughter. "How was your trip, child? You come and go, and never once do you come to seek me out. I wish you would seek me more often."

Adela bit her cheek, feeling a surge of frustration. It was one thing for everyone to lie behind the Lady's back, but to do so right in front of her face felt like a direct insult to her intelligence. She decided to respond to the part of the conversation she could without risking a misstep.