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Chapter 5 A New Normal

Author: bluemorose
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-02 00:39:25

*Ana*

I would have thought that most would have gone ahead and skipped today, what with it being rather colder, but I quickly find I am wrong. Even in the cold, the rose garden is bustling with others. My simple walk in the cold winter morning is not so simple, turning more into a social outing, whether I like it or not.

As such, I must present myself accordingly. I control my smile to be gentle and inviting just as the first wave comes over.

“Your Empress, The noblemen bow in unison. “Sir Pendwick.” They nod their heads to him, next. “A beautiful morning, is it not?” Their outfits look fine, rich, and most importantly warm, for the cold weather.

“It certainly is a clear sky,” I remark, noticing their noses turning pink from the cold. It makes me wonder how long they have been out here, and a better question, why. But I let the thought pass, thinking it better not to ask, simply wanting to get back to our walk.

“Good morning,” I nod in their direction before turning with Pendwick in
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