Amidst the ornate splendor of her room, Princess Sylveria paced restlessly, her thoughts consumed by the predicament of her dear friend. Though the weight of Isla's imprisonment bore heavily upon her heart, Sylveria took solace in knowing that certain concessions had been negotiated to ensure the young woman's safety during captivity.
Seeking guidance and aid, Sylveria turned to Arin, the resourceful Seventh Prince, and Celeste, the insightful Eighth Princess. "Brother Arin, dear sister Celeste," she began, her tone weighted with concern, "is there any means by which we might extend assistance to Isla? I fear the isolation of her confinement may prove a heavy burden." Arin, ever quick-witted, tilted his head pensively, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "Indeed, sister, there may be ways to ease Isla's circumstances." Celeste, her raven locks spilling over the open pages of an ancient book, looked up at the suggestion with a calculated gaze. "As her closest acquaintance among the royal family, you may hold some leverage." she agreed, her voice measured.
Arin's eyes sparkled with intrigue as he listened to his sisters' assessment. "True but recall the tumultuous circumstances surrounding her imprisonment." he interjected, his tone thoughtful. "The duke's sons are not known for their restraint, and Isla's actions crossed a societal boundary." Arin proposed a plan, his smile hinting at mischief. "Still, perhaps we could negotiate a lesser sentence in exchange for public acknowledgment of the princess's intervention, ensuring Isla's punishment is not severe." Celeste considered the idea, her fingers absently tracing the spine of her book. Sylveria's slender frame sagged in exasperation, her usually composed countenance cracking beneath the strain of her youthful worries. "Sighhhhh... I am only nine years old, but I'm so stressed about this situation." she lamented, her voice tinged with frustration. "I know Isla struck a noble, and the son of a high duke at that... But still, she did it to protect Isao of the Lavender family because Bartolomeo dared to lay hands on her in broad daylight."
As Sylveria's words trailed off, her eyelids fluttered closed, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. The sight of her icy demeanor replaced by palpable concern for a commoner brought a wry smile to Celeste and Arin's faces. They had grown accustomed to Sylveria's calculating nature, but this glimpse of her empathetic side was a rare and endearing sight. They exchanged amused glances, surprised to see Sylveria reveal such vulnerability. Her usually icy demeanor had melted, replaced by the weariness and frustration of a child overwhelmed by adult troubles.
"Ah, Sylvie, even princes and princesses aren't immune to stress." Arin chuckled, reaching out to ruffle his sister's hair affectionately. "Perhaps we should remind ourselves that, at the end of the day, we're all just people, regardless of titles or stations." Celeste nodded in agreement, setting aside her book. "Indeed, Sylvie. Remember, you're not alone in this. We stand together, as family, to support those we care about."
Sylveria's eyes fluttered open, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she met her siblings' reassuring gazes.
