The change struck her, even with how minimal it was. Both the King and Queen seemed curtained by something, every part of them cloistered away. She imagined, for a moment, wanting to see further, deeper--

And decided, quite pointedly, against it. But the Queen's words had a near immediate effect upon Neria: her lips parted briefly, eyes widening by a fraction. And then, she bowed once more, low, grateful. She closed her eyes and allowed just a sliver of relief to wash over her.

"Thank you, Your Grace." Genuine, heartfelt, no matter the strength Neria tried to exude. Slowly, she straightened once more, and there was a ghost of a smile at long last. "I appreciate your kindness."