“I trust you. I always will,” she said stiffly, the words foreign on her tongue. Emotions never came easily—but for Evelyn, she forced them past the barricades.

Thalindor flinched.

She was pushing herself again.
Too hard. Too fast. For a moment of silence that didn’t need this kind of weight.

Then Evelyn stepped forward.

Not with sharp words. Not with tears or blame. Just one small movement — a hug, sudden and quiet, wrapping around Elina’s middle like they were still children hiding from storms.

“I know,” Evelyn whispered into her sister’s coat. “Me too.”

Elina froze. Her hands hovered awkwardly for a second—then slowly, as if uncertain they were allowed, she let them rest on Evelyn’s back.

Not tightly. Not warmly. But they were there.

And for Elina, that was everything.

Everyone was eating their favourites with delight. Especially Evelyn.

"Thanks," she said between bites. "I was craving this."

"You’re most welcome," Elina replied, a little stiff still, but there was a softness under it.

“By the way,” Evelyn added, “I’m sorry. I won’t be sloppy again.”

Elina blinked. “Oh! Uh, yeah. Alright. Try—best—”
She stumbled, her mouth unable to keep up with her brain.

Evelyn giggled. “Don’t force yourself to speak, hehe. Yes, I’ll work hard again.”

“Hm. Try hard,” Elina muttered, eyes on her food, but the corner of her mouth curled ever so slightly.

Thalindor, who’d been watching the exchange with growing impatience, finally leaned in. “Hey! Are you two twins just gonna leave me out now? Add me to your conversation!”

The girls laughed.

Evelyn nudged him with her elbow. “Yeah, yeah. Say, what’s happening these days?"

Elina added, “Oh, right! What rumors are spreading this time?”

Thalindor leaned back with a dramatic sigh. “Nothing of real concern. Just the usual — whispers about when the funeral will be held, where, how... who’ll cry the loudest for the crown prince they never cared about.”

Evelyn’s smile faded slightly.

Elina’s fingers stilled on her fork.

But Thalindor continued, voice lighter now, “And someone out there’s making bets on whether the Crown Princess will show up dressed in black or blood...”