The announcement came without ceremony.
By midmorning, the palace corridors were alive with movement as servants hurried to prepare the East Hall. Word spread quickly: a court reception would be held before sunset. Attendance was expected. Absence would be noticed.
Charlotte stood near the window of the service passage, listening as instructions were given and repeated. The timing was deliberate. There was barely enough time to prepare, barely enough time to think.
Princess Margaret was pleased.
"So sudden," she said later, adjusting her gloves as she walked with Clara and Anne. "I adore spontaneity. It reveals who belongs."
Clara smiled politely. Anne said nothing. Eleanor listened.
Charlotte was assigned to assist near the Queen's side. It was not a place meant for comfort, only visibility.
By evening, the East Hall filled with nobles. Gold caught the candlelight. Music played softly. Conversations layered over one another, pleasant on the surface, sharp beneath.
Charlotte took her place, composed, still.
That was when she heard a familiar voice.
"Well," Lady Ashby said lightly, stepping closer to a group of ladies near the far column, "Fairwell has changed since I last visited."
Charlotte did not turn, but she recognized the tone at once.
Lady Ashby had not aged much. Her posture was impeccable, her smile controlled. She spoke easily, drawing attention without effort.
"I remember when servants knew their place," Lady Ashby continued. "Now they seem… elevated."
A few ladies laughed quietly.
Margaret noticed at once.
She approached with interest. "You sound amused."
Lady Ashby inclined her head. "Merely observant."
Margaret followed her gaze and saw Charlotte.
"How fortunate," Margaret said. "We were just speaking of unusual arrangements."
The words carried.
Charlotte felt the attention shift toward her, subtle but coordinated.
Margaret stepped forward. "You there," she said. "Come closer."
Charlotte obeyed.
Margaret examined her openly. "You move often between the Queen and the Prince," she said. "It confuses some of our guests."
Charlotte answered evenly. "I serve as instructed."
Lady Ashby smiled faintly. "That sounds familiar."
Adrien noticed the circle forming. He moved closer.
Margaret continued, "Tell me, do you enjoy standing among nobility?"
"I stand where I am placed," Charlotte replied.
"That was not the question," Margaret said.
Adrien spoke. "This is neither the time nor place."
Margaret turned to him. "I am only curious."
The Queen watched from her seat. She did not intervene.
Lady Ashby stepped forward slightly. "Curiosity can be unkind," she said mildly. "Especially when directed downward."
Margaret looked at her. "And you are?"
"Lady Ashby," she replied. "A friend of the court."
Margaret smiled. "Then you understand scrutiny."
"I do," Lady Ashby said. "And restraint."
A few murmurs followed.
Margaret laughed lightly. "How dull."
She turned back to Charlotte. "You may go."
Charlotte inclined her head and stepped away. The tension followed her like a shadow.
Adrien's jaw tightened. He did not pursue the argument. He understood the balance being tested.
Later, as the hall settled into quieter conversation, Lady Ashby crossed paths with Charlotte near the side corridor.
"You carry yourself well," Lady Ashby said.
"Thank you, my lady," Charlotte replied.
Lady Ashby studied her briefly. "Fairwell is not forgiving," she said. "Be careful whom you allow to notice you."
"I try to avoid notice," Charlotte said.
Lady Ashby smiled. "Then you are failing."
She moved on.
From across the room, Eleanor observed the exchange.
When the event ended, Charlotte was summoned quietly.
The Queen regarded her for a long moment. "You did not react," she said.
"I was not instructed to," Charlotte replied.
"That restraint will cost you," the Queen said. "And it will protect you."
Charlotte bowed.
Outside, Adrien waited.
"You should not have been placed in that position," he said.
"It was intentional," Charlotte replied.
"Yes," Adrien said. "That is what concerns me."
Above them, the palace lights dimmed.
Margaret watched from the gallery, displeasure sharp in her eyes.
Eleanor turned away first.
The measure had been taken.
The court had seen.
And Charlotte remained standing.