50 — A New Friend

"So... Your Highness," Gloria coughed, breaking the overwhelming silence in the audience room.

She had expected Princess Zahra to be quite talkative, but in front of her sat an elegant young woman.

"Perhaps it's the etiquette classes," Gloria mumbled and sighed.

She had been a carefree little girl until her mother disappeared, after which she had to endure harsh etiquette lessons to avoid shaming her family.

"Yes?" Zahra asked, nervously. She was all right with the silence, but engaging in conversation seemed daunting.

Knowing herself well, Zahra feared once the conversation began, she might not be able to stop herself. She didn't want to appear irritating to Yuden's older sister.

"I have heard of your kidnapping," Claude spoke first, noticing Gloria's hesitation.

"Claude!" Gloria turned to face her husband, whispering. "Don't bring that up!"

"But—"