Alina had been awake for half the night, thinking about how Audrey had done nothing but show her kindness and she had repaid her kindness with doubt.
The first thing she did the next morning was knock on Audrey's door.
Audrey herself opened the door. Her blonde hair was half-braided, and she was wearing a riding outfit. Behind her, a maid was preparing her bag.
"Miss Ashforth?" Audrey's brow furrowed. "Is something wrong? It's barely past dawn."
"I…I owe you an apology." Alina said, the words tumbling out. "I didn't eat the pastries you sent."
"It's okay." She replied, smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes.
"No, it isn't." Alina stepped forward and lowered her voice. "I was warned about this castle and the people in it. I was told not to eat anything prepared especially for me. I was afraid and… I let that fear make me doubt you. I'm sorry."
Audrey's grip on the door, loosened. She stepped aside, gesturing Alina to come inside.
