"Let them in," Arabella answered when the guard stationed outside her chamber informed her that Sophia and Lily had returned.
The door opened moments later, and both women entered.
Sophia immediately froze.
"Why are you standing up?" she exclaimed.
Without waiting for an answer, she hurried across the room and grabbed Arabella's hands, trying to guide her back toward the bed.
"Don't you know you're supposed to be resting?"
Arabella swatted her hand away.
"I'm fine."
She folded her arms across her chest stubbornly.
"I'm not some fragile little girl who's going to break at any moment. Everyone keeps fussing over me."
Her eyes narrowed.
"And there is certainly no need for an extra guard."
Sophia and Lily exchanged a look before both burst into smiles.
"My lady," Lily said patiently, "the king only means well."
Arabella sighed.
"I know."
"I bet he assigned an extra guard because he's worried about you."
Lily moved closer.
"And besides, it's perfectly normal."
