Alicia tensed up when she saw Don Suarez ascend the stairs with me.
She had just come out of Isabela's room, where she had stayed since her first day in the Casa Real. Isabela had quickly taken a liking to her, and the two had grown closer over the past week—sharing meals, secrets, and even brushing each other's hair at night like sisters.
Their friendship had blossomed, but that day, Alicia seemed reminded that her place in my household wasn't entirely secure. As her only blood relative, law and tradition would side with Don Suarez if he ever demanded her return.
For a moment, the two stared at each other. Don Suarez stood amused, a smirk at the corner of his lips. Alicia looked startled, as if she had seen a ghost.
"Alicia… wait for me…" Isabela emerged from the door, and then smiled when she saw the girl was still there. Then she saw me and Don Suarez, and grew curious.
