As dusk fell over the kingdom, the two sat by the well, the golden light of the setting sun casting long shadows on the cobblestone path. Rosalind squeezed the towel soaked in water from the well and carefully wiped the wound scratches on Amaris's palms.
"I heard them talking about you since yesterday," Rosalind said, her voice steady yet concerned. "They said you had nothing to do, but I told them you've been with me, cleaning and doing the tasks assigned to us."
Amaris groaned at Rosalind's words, rolling her eyes dramatically. "I've been bullied all my life. This is nothing new to me! But seeing you get hurt? Ha! The audacity!" she grumbled, trying to act tough. She smacked her own fist into her palm, but the movement made her flinch as pain shot through her.
"Behave, Amaris. Your no
