Delicate tears rolled down Seren's veiled face as she listened to the tragic secrets behind the royal family, her gem-like purple eyes unable to pull away from the bitter smile on Great Lady Theodora's aged face.
None of them seemed to have realized that the sun had long set and the greenhouse had turned considerably dark as they tried to find silent comfort in each other's presence. The lamps left behind by the thoughtful servants casted dim shadows on the ladies' faces.
Although the old lady narrated the story as if she was a complete outsider to the tale, it was apparent that the pain she had buried deep in her heart was ever-present. Though decades had passed since then, perhaps the wounds of the past remained in all the people affected, unable to truly heal.
The current Queen of Megaris looked at the white-haired woman sitting in front of her and reached out to hold the Great Lady's wrinkled hand. "Grandmother, are you fine?"