A Sliver of Hope

“Waaah, waaah—”

For the third time already, Maria and Prince Aeren burst through the parlor door and came running in.

Everyone in the parlor turned to look at the two children.

The conversation was interrupted for a moment, and silence fell.

Everyone except me turned to look at me.

Haa. Fine. I guess I have to do something.

“Maria, stop running around and come here.”

Maria had been circling the long table, running around with a giggle. At my single word, she promptly came over to me.

The prince, who had naturally been chasing Maria—or, more accurately, only pretending to chase her—also came to a stop in front of me.

“Where have you been running around to get so dusty? A girl shouldn't go around with her face covered in soot.”...