Ariana's eyes widened slightly as she stared at the trembling red-haired lady whose head was bowed low. She couldn't quite believe it—why would someone be punished to this extent just for being in a relationship?
How could a person tremble with such fear? Weren't the rules only meant to prevent immediate involvement in relationships while serving as a maid? Or were they expected to grow up completely isolated, never forming any romantic attachments?
She couldn't understand the logic behind such a rule, though she assumed it was intended to prevent distractions. Still, wasn't this punishment a bit too extreme?
She turned to Leah and signed,
'So what about the royal guard? What's his punishment?'
Leah bowed her head respectfully.
"Queen Ariana, the punishment is that he will be moved to the lowest of the low ranks."
Ariana moved her fingers again.
"So he'll be demoted to the lowest rank… yet you took the maid to the Council of Maids? How unequal. Don't you think, Lady Leah?"
