Rosmira leads Jews back into the Rose Mansion’s warm hush, while Cleara heads for Desires Fall beside her. The mansion smells of tea, perfume, and old silk, its corridors soft with lamplight and the distant murmur of waiting wards.
Jews settles in with a grateful glance around the sitting room, accepting the mansion’s shelter as she waits for the sealed room to open. Rosmira leaves her with the promise of company nearby, then turns with Cleara toward the queen’s castle.
Madam Cleara
If we are asking the Queen for help, I would prefer to ask properly.
Rosmira
We can ask her together.
They cross the capital under its nightly glow, Desires Fall rising ahead like a polished monument. The closer they get, the heavier the air feels, rich with power and the faint sweetness of the domain itself.
Queen Voloria
Rosmira, Cleara. You come with purpose. Speak it.
Madam Cleara
Your Majesty, I seek a partner, if one may be found who suits me.
Voloria’s violet gaze lingers on Cleara, thoughtful and amused. The queen’s fingers tap once against her armrest, and the room goes still as she considers her answer.