Chapter 60: Relief from Enids Unwanted Presence.
Salviana let out a soft sigh of relief as the intimidating presence of Enid vanished beyond the library doors.
She turned to meet the gaze of the woman who had saved her, noticing at once her graceful posture and those delicate way she moved her hand, she’s golden-blonde hair—a shade common among the Velthornes, yet she styled it with an effortless elegance. The woman’s grey eyes held a gentle warmth that immediately set Salviana at ease.
"Thank you," Salviana said, her voice a little breathless. "For stepping in." she added when the lady looked like she didn’t know why Salviana was thanking her.
The woman smiled, a small, reassuring gesture. "Think nothing of it. Enid gets off on putting people on edge or... undermining relationships. He enjoys the drama." Her voice was calm, as though this was a familiar tale, but there was a hint of exasperation in her tone. "I’m Rose, by the way."
Rose? Who was she? Salviana couldn’t remember who she’d been from the explanation Sarah gave but she was sure she wasn’t a princess.
Salviana offered a grateful smile, dipping her head slightly. "It’s lovely to meet you, Rose. And thank you again." She paused, glancing away before softly adding, "I didn’t know anyone here could be so..."
"Bold?" Rose finished for her, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Or just irritating." She gave a small shrug, letting the moment pass before she glanced over at the pouting Salviana with an admiring gaze. "But I have to say, you’re quite beautiful. Alaric is lucky."
Salviana blushed, a bit taken aback but touched by the compliment from a fellow woman. "Thank you, truly... I think you’re the graceful one here, though."
They shared a brief laugh, the mutual exchange warming the atmosphere between them.
"So, are you fond of reading?" Rose asked, her tone curious yet friendly as she pulled out a book.
"Yes," Salviana answered, feeling herself relax. "Reading inspires me. Sometimes, it even gives me the motivation to paint." she found herself saying.