The rest of the breakfast passed in silence, though silence was generous. It was more like the hush before a verdict.
Ophelia didn't finish her coffee. She didn't touch her toast. She just sat, still and small, until Serathine rose without ceremony and left the room, the soft tread of her heels echoing louder than it should have. The staff reappeared five minutes later. No one looked her in the eye.
It wasn't until the afternoon that the summons came. A single knock on the door of her chamber, followed by the clipped announcement of Serathine's steward.
"You may dress. The Duchess has granted your request."
Ophelia blinked. "What request?"
"To see your mother."
"You will have thirty minutes," the steward said, not unkindly, but without warmth either. "Lady Serathine will not accompany you. I've been assigned as your guardian. You have fifteen minutes to prepare."
Ophelia straightened. "I… now?"
"Yes." A pause. "If you still wish to see her."
