When it did, both women's faces went even redder.
Heena laughed—actually laughed, the sound bright and delighted.
"Oh, don't worry, darling," she said, patting his arm. "Not everyone in this world lacks basic courtesy. Just... certain families. Certain individuals who seem to think their status exempts them from respect."
She smiled at the two noblewomen.
"But we're working on correcting that. Aren't we, ladies?"
Before either could respond—before this could escalate further—hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Duke Remington appeared, practically running, his formal robes slightly askew from his haste, his face red and his breathing labored.
He'd been in his office, peacefully reviewing financial documents, when a frantic servant had burst in with news that his daughter had caused 'another' incident. That she'd brought that cursed Seraphina girl into the palace 'again' without proper authorization. That the Empress was 'furious'.
