Seated upon a temporary throne, the blurry figure observed the two before her with quiet authority.
One stood tall, posture unyielding, pride etched into every line of his frame, while the other bowed her head with delicate restraint, fingers clutching the hem of her clothes.
The blurred figure dismissed the proud, striking man without so much as a flicker of interest. Her attention settled entirely upon the bowing girl.
"It has been a long while, Nyx Shadowfall."
Nyx lifted her head just enough to respond, her expression carefully composed, her tone steady and respectful.
"Indeed, it has been a long while, Your Majesty. I have often wondered how you have been faring in my absence."
Yet beneath that calm exterior, her thoughts stirred with quiet intensity, a warmth she could neither suppress nor fully understand.
'She remembers me… even after everything, she remembers. I knew it… she has not cast me aside. She still cares.'
Mary's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile,
