Everything happened so quickly and in a blur.
Viella remembered in her hurried state, she had openly ignored everyone, even Marie, as she found her way to the High Lady, who, in all her glory, looked extremely upset that Viella had dared to disturb her in the midst of a good story.
But there must have been something in her eyes—perhaps the appearance of a bruise that was not there before—that had stopped her from any further complaints.
The older woman followed her. Everything seemed to move slowly as Viella witnessed the motherly side of the High Lady, cradling the son who was in pain and losing a significant amount of blood.
Viella was pushed aside as hordes of servants came to help the High Lady, who screamed, demanding for anyone who heard her to come and help—which they did, shocking her from where they all had been hiding. Behind the walls of the palace, where the maids went so as not to be seen.
