"We were worried when you left so suddenly. Is something troubling you?"
I sighed, meeting Mara's wide, earnest eyes before glancing briefly at Elira. Both of my maids stood poised, alert, ready to offer me their boundless compassion and borderline obsessive care at the slightest hint of distress. I hesitated, briefly considering whether honesty was worth the potential disaster it might cause.
"Just wanted some fresh air," I said finally, shrugging lightly in what I hoped was a convincingly nonchalant manner.
Elira raised an eyebrow subtly, giving me a look that plainly said she didn't believe me for one second. Mara, however, didn't even bother hiding her skepticism.
"Fresh air?" Mara echoed, hands on her hips as she narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Your Highness, with all due respect, you loathe fresh air. You called it 'a useless distraction from my plotting' just yesterday."
My lips twitched despite my best efforts. "Maybe I've developed a sudden appreciation for nature?"
