The Crown Princess' Condition

The heavy curtains blocked out the sunlight. The only source of illumination came from the flickering flames of the fireplace, casting a warm glow that barely reached the corners of the room.

Margaret sat on the edge of her bed, wrapped in a thick blanket, her hair cascading around her shoulders in disarray. Her eyes were fixed on the space beyond the curtains, her gaze distant and unfocused, lost in thought.

As the door creaked open, Margaret's lady-in-waiting, Olivia, entered the room, her expression filled with concern. In her hand, she held a velvet red envelope, sealed with a golden stamp. With hesitant steps, Olivia approached Margaret, her eyes scanning her mistress's weary form.

"Your Highness, there is news from the palace," Olivia said softly, her voice breaking the silence that hung heavily in the air.

Margaret remained silent, her gaze still fixed on the space beyond the curtains, lost in her own thoughts.