"Helena."
A woman's voice rang out. It belonged to a young woman.
Her hair was a light brown with reddish tones, pulled up tightly into a bun, with two loose strands framing her face. Her skin was fair, her eyes a sharp blue. She noticed Eric, a stranger in this familiar room.
She walked toward Olympia.
The old Nun who had led Olympia in earlier gave a slight bow, showing her respect for the woman, and explained.
"Your Grace, Empress Dowager Maria, Miss Olympia is following the Emperor's wishes by receiving an important guest. This was a sudden arrangement, and we know your morning prayers begin very early and that you loathe to be disturbed."
The woman didn't respond to the old Nun. Instead, her gaze fell upon Brinyos, who stood beside Eric.
"Brinyos," she said, calling his name as a question.
