For a fleeting moment, standing there with Nieah beside her and the gentle hum of conversation beginning around the table, Circe allowed herself to believe that perhaps this luncheon would not be as dreadful as she had feared.
Circe and Nieah ended up seated beside each other at the round table, surrounded by the other women. The pavilion itself was bright and airy, the silk canopy above them catching the soft afternoon breeze.
The table had been laid beautifully with crystal goblets and polished silver, the surface glimmering softly.
Light chatter soon filled the air, ranging from topics that revolved around fashions from the capital, to the recent gatherings they attended, which noble family had bought which estate this season and so much more that Circe could hardly keep track of.
