She and her brother were halted by a cluster of palace maids who swiftly whisked her away from his side. Their hands were gentle but firm as they guided her down a separate corridor. She did not know where they were taking her, yet she felt a flicker of relief at being removed from her brother and the suffocating presence of her family.
They led her through tall, ornately carved doors and into a beautifully furnished chamber, the queen's leisure room. The air inside was fragrant with incense and perfume. Sunlight filtered through gauzy curtains, casting a warm glow over plush carpets and gilded furnishings. Elka had never stepped foot inside this room during any of her previous visits to the palace.
Seated gracefully in one of the cushioned chairs was the queen herself. She had clearly been waiting.
Queen Nheera turned at the sound of their entrance, and when her gaze fell upon Elka, her entire face lit up with a radiant smile.
