Back at the palace, after a short but fulfilling nap with Amalia, Astrid looked at the dark-haired girl clinging tightly to her arm, unwilling to let go. She gently pinched her little sister's cheek and spoke softly.
"Time to wake up, Livia."
To avoid slipping up, Astrid had recently been calling Amalia by the name Livia. The latter hadn't shown any dissatisfaction with this practice; in fact, she had accepted it quite naturally.
Amalia, hearing the voice, replied softly.
"Okay, sister."
Girls always spoke softly when they just woke up, especially a cute little girl like her. Astrid's heart softened at the sound, and she gently pulled her arm free from Amalia's grasp, getting out of bed.
"I'll change clothes, and then I'll have Elise bring you some tea."
