"Lady Mina," Avarine replied smoothly, her false mask still firmly in place. She inclined her head just enough to appear respectful, though the gesture felt rehearsed. "I promise you, it's not what you think. I was simply checking to see if the prince and princess had arrived. I was told they would both be in attendance. They were sent an invitation, after all." A brittle edge had slipped into her voice as she uttered the last words, sharp enough to betray her irritation before she could rein it in. It made her sound petulant.
Mina narrowed her eyes. "If the prince and princess are not here tonight, then it is because they are too busy to attend," she said flatly. "Why do you feel entitled to their presence?"
Avarine faltered. Her mouth opened, then closed again as she scrambled for an acceptable response. But before she could gather herself, someone across the room caught Mina's attention and waved in her direction. Mina turned without another glance, already moving away.
