Queen Beatrix entered the hall.

Her mantle gleamed like golden light.

Her firm gaze fell upon Stingara and Meliora.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

— I heard what happened yesterday.

— You fought inside the castle?

Her voice was calm.

But carried authority.

Stingara remained silent.

Meliora lowered her eyes.

— Stingara, usually you’re the one who starts.

— I want to know why you used magic inside our home.

— And as if that weren’t enough... you lost.

— What a disgrace for a princess of the Beatrix Kingdom.

Meliora stepped forward.

— Mother... it was me who started it.

Beatrix raised an eyebrow.

— What?

Stingara stared at her sister.

“What is this brat doing?”

— You’ve never had a taste for quarrels.

— Why are you saying this?

Meliora took a deep breath.

— I wanted one of sister Stingara’s dresses.

— One of the... more elegant ones.

— She refused to lend it.

— I got frustrated.

— I used magic to try to force her.

— She only responded in kind.

A shiver ran through Stingara.

“Why is she taking the blame? This will only make things worse.”

Beatrix absorbed the words.

Her eyes piercing.

— You wanted a dress?

— One of the more... provocative ones?

— But why?

Meliora lifted her face.

— Because I’m tired of being seen as a child.

— I’m fourteen.

— But everyone treats me as ‘mommy’s little girl.’

— I thought I’d look more mature in that dress.

— She didn’t want to fight, so I won.

— If someone must be punished, let it be me.

Beatrix looked Meliora up and down.

Suspicion on her face.

She turned to Stingara.

— Is this true?

Stingara hesitated.

Stammered.

— Y... yes.

— Adolescence is full of confusing hormones.

— It’s understandable, mother... we all go through it.

The Queen sighed.

Exasperated.

— So all of this was because of a dress?

— You two only give me trouble.

— Why can’t you be more like Melisara?

— She never gives me headaches.

The sisters exchanged glances.

They thought the same:

“That girl lives in another world...”

Meliora walked quickly.

Stingara intercepted her.

— Don’t think you helped me back there.

— I owe you nothing.

Meliora adjusted her hair.

— Do as you like.

— Isn’t that what you said?

Stingara sighed.

Annoyed.

— Tsk... damn brat.

She grabbed her sister’s arm.

Tightly.

— Let me go.

— You’re hurting me!

⋯

A third gaze appeared.

Melisara.

Innocent aura.

Vacant expression.

— Are you fighting again?

Stingara smiled falsely.

Released the arm.

— It’s nothing.

— We were just talking.

— Come here, let me tell you something...

— Did you know boys like mysterious girls?

Melisara blinked slowly.

— Really?

Stingara pulled her down the corridor.

— I’ll teach you how to be more interesting.

— All the rich men will fight over you...

Melisara followed.

Eyes distant.

Meliora stayed behind.

Watching the two disappear.

— Two lunatics...