Seraphina chuckled and waved her hand. "Call me Aunt Sera. There is no need for such formality with me."
Portia smiled. "Okay."
Seraphina sipped her tea, then looked over the rim of the cup. "Did you meet your mother-in-law lately?"
Portia shook her head. "Mother has been quite busy."
Seraphina set her cup down. "She is not been herself. The pressure is catching up to her. Being Queen is far from easy. You should try to ease her burdens where you can."
Portia nodded slowly.
There was a pause. Then Seraphina leaned back slightly, her expression more contemplative. "This new storm my brother has dragged into our lives… it may not seem like it, but it won't be easy for you either."
Portia furrowed her brows. "How does it impact me? Cristiano doesn't see his brother as a threat."
"It's good that you have talked about it," Seraphina said, stirring her tea absently. "But storms don't ask permission before they arrive. You will feel the winds, sooner or later."
