The carriage rolled to a smooth stop in front of Lady Clarisse's estate. The building looked overly proud of itself, all white marble and glittering windows, as if trying too hard to compensate for the fact that Clarisse had all the charm of a soggy crumpet.
I stepped out, skirts rustling lightly. Maribel followed with calm elegance, while Lucia lingered behind us, shifting her weight suspiciously from foot to foot. The guards stationed at the gate stiffened the moment they saw us.
Then—shockingly—they crossed their spears.
"Entry is restricted," one guard announced, his voice attempting firmness but wobbling just enough to be noticeable.
I blinked at him. "Restricted? For whom?"
"You, Your Highness."
For a moment, I simply stared. Then I let out a short laugh. "I'm sorry. I must have misheard. Say that again?"
"Lady Clarisse instructed that… that you are not permitted inside."
Ah.
