I saw Bella for the first time that morning before we left for the throne room. At first, I had thought that we'd be leaving right away after Maria's departure, However, Eragon rang a small bell I just noticed by the side of his bed and after a few minutes, Bella stepped in.
It might have just been my eyes, or maybe it was just the fatigue that was clouding my thoughts, but she looked a lot thinner than the last time I saw her two years ago. Perhaps something had happened to her? Regardless, I didn't ask her anything about that. I only hugged her back when she hugged me, her frail arms engulfing me in her embrace. It was weird, since I never knew we were this close before.
Eragon left, and asked that she assist me in getting ready. I had wanted to ask why he didn't stop Maria and asked h
