Chapter 409 A Quiet Lead

Oriana leaned back in her chair, resting her chin lightly against her fingers as she watched Gwen across the room. The girl stood near the window, focused on shaping a potted evergreen, trimming it with careful, practiced movements like she had all the time in the world.

"Your Grace, your coffee."

Mavis stepped in, placing a warm cup into Oriana's hands.

Oriana accepted it, but didn't look away fr