The Secret

As soon as Liza set foot in the palace lobby, she was approached by a strong hug from her mother who came to greet her. She felt her eyes fill with tears.

"Mother..."

"Oh, my child... How I prayed for you to come back alive..."

"I'm sure your prayers have been of great value to me, however I feel exhausted and not in the mood for conversation and questions at this time..."

"Of course, my girl! We'll talk later. Come, the maid is already preparing a bath and I've already arranged to bring you something to eat, since you must be starving. Come! I'll escort you to your quarters."

Delina, as soon as she had left her in the care of the maid who would help her with the bath, went out to her own quarters, where she sat thoughtfully in an armchair, and probed her heart, which although happy at the return of her daughter safe and sound, was heavy on her heart, as if something in her daughter was dead.

The maid brought the tray with her favorite dish and left her alone. Liza,