Cold Hearts In Love.

Genevieve leaned back in her chair, her hands resting lightly upon the table as though steadying herself.

"How… fascinating," she murmured, her voice cool yet taut. "It seems we are all being enlightened this evening."

Aurora realized her misstep—she had inadvertently confirmed the whispered rumors of her past as a courtesan. All eyes were upon her, their gazes shifting with strange new intensity. Yet she did not falter.

Inclining her head gracefully, her expression serene, she replied, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Growth and understanding oft spring from the most unexpected of places." She lifted her wine glass with elegant composure, sipping as if the moment held no consequence.

A heavy silence settled over the table, broken only by the faint clink of silverware. The air grew tense when Aurora placed the glass down, the weight of unspoken thoughts pressing upon them all.

Genevieve's carefully measured smile faltered—if only for a fleeting moment—before she swiftly regained her poise. "Indeed, Lady Aurora," she said, her tone smooth, though a faint edge of frustration crept into her words.

The ambiguity of her tone left the others uncertain: was it genuine acknowledgment or thinly veiled disdain? Yet before anyone could interject, Charlotte broke the silence with a biting remark.

"Lady Aurora, is it? So the rumors were true after all? You've had quite the talent for deception, I see," she said with a smirk curling her lips.

Aurora met Charlotte's gaze unflinchingly, her eyes steady and unyielding.

"Precisely, Lady Charlotte. Does that not speak to my aptitude? I neither denied nor confirmed—surely, I cannot be faulted if others leapt to their own conclusions."

Genevieve's plans to unsettle Aurora seemed to crumble before her eyes. The queen, who had entered the evening intent on uncovering the truth and catching Aurora off guard, now found herself momentarily at a loss. Charlotte glared daggers at Aurora, while Genevieve struggled to conceal her frustration.

"Did my son know of this?" Genevieve demanded, her voice laced with exasperation.

Aurora's patience wore thin, but she maintained her composure. "Indeed, Your Majesty, he is well aware. After all, it was by his decision I remain here, despite your insistence to the contrary."

Genevieve exhaled heavily, her weariness apparent. "I see. So, he does know."

After a moment, Genevieve straightened in her seat, her tone deceptively light.

"I find myself with ample leisure this afternoon. Why not engage in a bit of sport? Archery, perhaps—a fitting way to test one's skill and composure."

"Mother, I do not think that wise," Sapphire interjected, her voice weary.

"I find myself rather fatigued and would prefer to rest."

Genevieve's expression hardened, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Silence, Sapphire. Have I taught you nothing? Your indolence is unbecoming. Charlotte, what say you?"

Ever eager to please, Charlotte responded brightly. "A splendid idea, Aunt. I am eager to participate."

Sapphire scowled but bit her tongue, while Genevieve's gaze shifted to Marianna.

"And you, Marianna? Will you join us?"

Marianna hesitated, her soft-spoken nature making it difficult to refuse outright.

"As you wish, Your Majesty," she replied, though her heart longed for the solace of her chambers.

"And you, Lady Aurora?" She turned to Aurora who forced a smile on.

"Of course, I shall join,"

The group rose to leave the dining hall, heading toward the training grounds. Sapphire lagged behind, her steps slow as she sought to avoid Charlotte and Marianna. Sensing her hesitation, Aurora turned and addressed her gently.

"May I pose a question, Lady Sapphire?"

Sapphire's serene expression faltered, but she nodded.

"Of course, Lady Aurora."

Aurora's voice softened. "Why did you not visit me, not even once, while I was injured in bed?"

Sapphire paused, a flicker of guilt passing over her face. "My mother forbade it, especially after… after those rumors about your past. I am deeply sorry, Lady Aurora. Defying her would have made matters far worse."

Aurora's gaze softened, her lips curving into a faint smile. "I understand. Your mother's displeasure can be formidable."

She studied Sapphire's expression carefully, finding no trace of judgment, only earnest regret.

"And I am sorry for deceiving you all," Aurora admitted quietly, her tone sincere. "About my… former occupation."

Sapphire's smile was warm and genuine. "You know, Lady Aurora, such things do not define you, though I must admit, I was surprised. It must have taken great courage to speak the truth. I admire that."

Aurora felt a lump rise in her throat and rolled her eyes slightly, feigning exasperation.

"You didn't have to say all that. You're far too kind, Lady Sapphire."

"There is no need for such formality between us," Sapphire replied.

"Call me Sapphire, and I shall call you Aurora. We are friends now, are we not?"

Aurora regarded her for a moment before nodding. "Yes, Sapphire," she said softly, slipping her arm through Sapphire's as they walked on together.

At the training grounds, Genevieve ordered the guards to bring bows and arrows. The polished wood gleamed in the sunlight, and the taut strings hummed faintly as they were handed out.

Sapphire struggled to lift her bow, its weight proving a challenge, while Marianna fared no better. 

Aurora handled her weapon with ease, her movements fluid and confident. Charlotte followed suit, her demeanor self-assured. Genevieve, true to form, chose to oversee rather than participate.

"Charlotte, my dear, why not begin?"

Genevieve's tone brimmed with maternal pride.

Charlotte stepped forward, her movements graceful as she drew back the bowstring. Her arrow flew true, landing near the target's center. Genevieve clapped her hands in approval.

"Well done, my dear."

"Marianna, you are next," Genevieve announced.

Marianna approached hesitantly, her hands trembling. Her arrow veered far off course, eliciting a sigh from Genevieve, though she masked her disappointment.

"A commendable effort," she said, though her tone betrayed condescension.

"Sapphire, your turn," Genevieve said sharply.

Sapphire groaned but complied, her arrow falling pitifully short. Genevieve's displeasure was evident, though she refrained from commenting further.

Finally, Aurora stepped forward, her chin held high. With deliberate precision, she loosed her arrow, which struck the target's center with a satisfying thud. 

The silence was broken by Sapphire's delighted cheer.

"Oh, Aurora! You were magnificent!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands with glee. 

Aurora turned, her smile warm, but her gaze met Charlotte's sharp, narrowed eyes.

A tension lingered between them, interrupted only by a voice from behind.

"Why do we not join you?"

The group turned to see two figures approaching, their steps deliberate and confident.