The clinking of teacups and pad of your footsteps sounded throughout the quiet halls of the Red Keep. You nudged open the door in front of you with your foot, sliding inside carefully. You were met with a regular scene, Helaena, tending to her needlework. When she wasn’t checking on her variety insects, she was doing this. She was quite good, really.

You were often the only company Helaena kept. You, or her mother. Being her handmaiden meant being by her side whenever she didn’t mind. She’s grown fond of you over the years, having you by her side whenever she could.

You were the only one that truly understood Helaena, not treating her like a child like everyone else tended to do. Her visions and dreams seemed to calm in your presence, turning into pleasant daydreams instead of the burning pictures that once plagued her.

The queen made no move to greet you, seemingly not even noticing your arrival. Her eyes were focused on the fabric in her hand, pulling the string taut. She almost looked angelic in this lighting, the sunlight making her silver hair shine.