(CORRINE)
Sigrid smiles at me. "It's been a long time, Corrine."
My eyes fill with tears. "Oh, yes. It has been."
She steps forward, and I cover the distance between us, throwing my arms around her with a broken sob. I never realized how desperately I missed her. Though our time spent together was brief, she left her mark on me, a piece of herself in me. She was my safest harbor, the one who fought for me from the very beginning.
Her arms wrap me in a warm hug. "I'm so glad you're doing well, Corrine."
I take in her scent. It's comforting. When I pull away, I study her, sniffling. "Come in." As I close the door after her, I ask, "Why do you look so old, Sigrid?"
She chuckles lightly. "Probably the stress. I've been at the border with Locke ever since you disappeared."
"The border?" I ask, horrified. "Why were you there? Aren't you the head maid anymore?"
