✦ Chapter 51 ✦
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"Why are you standing here?"
The voice cut cleanly through the courtyard air, low and controlled, yet sharp enough to make Anna flinch.
She turned at once.
Vynn stood a few steps behind her, tall and composed, golden eyes narrowed slightly as they assessed the silver-haired girl before her. Even without glare, without ceremonial robes, there was something inherently commanding about her presence. Anna had to tilt her chin upward to meet her gaze.
"N-Nothing, Your Highness," Anna murmured, lowering her eyes almost immediately. Her fingers tightened around the stem of the flower she held, fidgeting as though the fragile thing might anchor her trembling hands.
The movement did not escape Vynn.
Her gaze dropped to the object clutched against Anna's chest, and for a brief second her controlled expression shifted into unmistakable surprise.
