"Come in," I called out, straightening my posture and steeling myself. Whatever Lady Isolde wanted, I wouldn't show weakness.
The door opened, revealing the elegant figure of the triplets' mother. Her silver-streaked dark hair was pulled into an immaculate bun, and despite the situation, she maintained her regal bearing. But I noticed the worry lines around her eyes that hadn't been there before.
"Thank you for seeing me, Seraphina," she said softly, closing the door behind her.
I nodded to Lyra and Elina. "Could you give us a moment?"
My loyal maids exchanged glances with me, silently asking if I was sure. When I nodded again, they slipped out of the room, but not before Lyra whispered, "We'll be right outside if you need us."
Once we were alone, Lady Isolde stood awkwardly near the door, as if unsure of her welcome. Good. Let her be uncomfortable.
"I'm relieved to see you safely returned," she finally said. "When you disappeared... the boys were beside themselves."
