Chapter 22: A mother’s possessiveness
The conversation among the four women had already softened. The hall was quieter now, as if the palace itself had understood that that brief moment of sharing had come to an end. Astrid, still holding the glass between her fingers, swirled the liquid gently, her gaze distant.
Lady Stella, beside her, also seemed lost in thought. The image of her daughter huffing and dragging Aziz through the corridors was still fresh in her mind. But for some reason, the unease had given way to a hint of curiosity... and even a touch of expectation.
"How about we take a look at the two of them?" suggested Isis, breaking the silence with her melodious voice. "I imagine the storm has already passed."
"Or turned into a breeze," added Sylvia with a small smile.
Astrid raised her eyes softly. There was something calm and contemplative in her expression.
"Let’s go. It’s a good time."
With graceful and calm steps, the four of them left the hall. The long dresses of the women floated lightly through the palace corridors, carried by a night breeze that seemed summoned just to accompany them.
They stepped into the quiet gardens, where the sound of enchanted fountains filled the air gently. Moonlight filtered through the silver-leaved trees, bathing the path in a subtle, magical light. The main fountain, with its sculpture of the ten-tailed fox-woman, rose ahead like a serene sanctuary.
It was Sylvia who first spotted the scene.
"Look..."
They all paused for a moment, observing from a distance.