The garden was quiet in the early morning. Lyanna had come here after breakfast, needing space from the suffocating walls of the royal chambers, from Clara's pitying glances, and from the constant awareness of Azrael's presence even when he wasn't there.
The garden was one of the few places she could walk without permission. She was examining a black rose when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Queen Lyanna."
The voice was smooth as silk. Lyanna turned to find Lady Sylvia standing a few steps away from her.
"Lady Sylvia ." Lyanna replied politely.
"What a lovely surprise." Sylvia smiled. "I was hoping to talk to you in private, without the formality and court politics."
"Of course. I'd like that." Lyanna replied, even though her every instinct warned her to refuse the conversation.
They began walking together along the garden path. Sylvia started with talking about flowers, and the weather.
