Least loved, always, by the mother who craved a daughter... least loved, now, by the girl who prefers your friend... second best, always, eternally overshadowed.
Softly her words slipped, and as he ventured into the darkness, she observed the portraits. Never was she so close to another common room before, and she did wish to enter. But a bird did not belong among the lions so her feet remained on the solid ground, away from the temptations of exploring.
Didn’t take him long to return, the box was underneath his arm whilst his hand carried a bag of sweets he had stored for a perfect occasion like this. “We can share this– better feel special, don’t usually share with people I don’t know much.”
With a tilt of his head, he motioned for her to follow him as he stepped out of the portrait, the door swinging closed behind him. “Should we play in the great hall? Reckon there’s not many people there.”