Chapter 329: Boomerang
Lara sipped her tea with deliberate calm, the delicate porcelain warm against her fingers. She nibbled on the pastries, their sweetness muted by the bitterness rising at the back of her throat. Across from her, Mira sparkled like a polished gemstone—chatty, animated, a natural charmer. Her voice lilted with laughter and exaggerated expressions as she recounted tales clearly crafted to amuse.
Princess Ceres was enthralled. She leaned in eagerly, delighting in every word Mira offered. They seemed to speak in a private language of flattery and pretense. Meanwhile, Lara remained the quiet observer, her presence uninvited in their lively duet.
After a while, she set down her teacup with a soft clink and gently cut through Mira’s story.
"Princess, Mira," she said, her voice faint. "I don’t feel well. I think I need to lie down for a bit."
The princess and Mira exchanged a swift, knowing glance—too quick to be innocent.
"Sis," Mira offered with a warm smile, "why don’t I escort you to one of the guest rooms nearby? It’s just a short walk."
Lara gave a weak nod and, as if on cue, leaned heavily against her. Though taller and stronger than Mira, Lara let herself be guided, her weight forcing Mira to struggle. Her footsteps dragged, her breaths shallow. It wasn’t long before Mira, flustered and breathless, called for assistance.
A quiet servant girl stepped in to help, and together, they led Lara to a room already prepared.
The chamber was modest but comfortable—an elegant guest suite with soft candlelight and linens scented with lavender. Mira and the maid eased Lara onto the bed. Her eyes fluttered shut, her skin pale under the lamplight.
"Leave us," Mira said smoothly, turning to the maid. "And close the door behind you."
The latch clicked shut.