I finished the last sip of tea, letting the cup settle onto the porcelain saucer with a soft, deliberate click. The courtyard remained silent—no whispers now, only stiff backs, bowed heads, and the heavy, trembling quiet of nobles who finally understood the rules of the world they lived in.
I stood.
"Ladies," I said smoothly, "I expect your explanations at the palace gates before evening. Do not be late."
A chorus of anxious bows followed.
"Yes, Your Highness."
I turned to the escort guards who had accompanied me here—not Clarisse's servants, but guards the queen insisted follow me where I go assigned for outside engagements.
"You," I instructed the first, "carry Lady Lucia to my carriage. She is not to wander or leave your sight."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"And you," I said to the second escort, "prepare the carriage. We depart immediately."
He bowed and hurried toward the estate's outer drive.
