Good News

Louise gently pushed open the heavy oak door to the bedroom and stepped into the somewhat brighter corridor.

In the small sitting room, Lady Eileen had her back to her and was busy at a small round table covered with a clean linen cloth, carefully arranging an exquisite porcelain teapot, teacups, and a plate of what looked like freshly baked pastries decorated with candied fruit.

Hearing the footsteps, Lady Eileen turned around. A trace of fatigue that she could hardly conceal showed on her face, yet she still forced herself to smile gently and habitually dipped into a curtsy toward Louise.

"Your Highness, you're out." Lady Eileen's voice was as gentle as ever, though it sounded hoarser than usual.

Louise hurried forward, reaching out to offer a hand without actually touching her, then gracefully returned the curtsy. "Lady Eileen, please, there's no need for such formality. There's no one else here."

Her gaze fell on the dark circles beneath Lady Eileen's eyes and her slightly haggard face, and her heart ached.

The two women sat down beside the table. Lady Eileen picked up the teapot and poured Louise a cup of steaming tea, its liquid a bright reddish color. Steam carrying a faint herbal fragrance wafted upward. "Your Highness, have a taste. This time, I had the maid add a little Frostneedle Grass and snow-plum petals to the black tea to help soothe your nerves. I hope you'll sleep peacefully tonight."

Lady Eileen spoke softly as she gently pushed the teacup toward Louise.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Lady Eileen." Louise murmured her thanks, then lifted the warm teacup with slightly trembling hands and brought it to her lips, taking a small, symbolic sip.

The tea was smooth and warm, with the slightly bitter yet lingering sweetness of herbs. But