"What a lovely day..."
Marielle sat back in her chair, taking a sip from a delicate porcelain cup. The floral aroma of bergamot and dried elderberry washed over her tongue, smooth and hot, easing the tight knot that had been sitting between her shoulders for the last twenty-four hours. Or more.
Marielle closed her eyes and let the gentle breeze brush against her. Marielle closing her eyes and letting the gentle breeze stir the hem of her dark velvet gown. No loud shouts, no border reports, and finally, a single hour of peace.
SLAP
A large, heavy hand came down firmly onto her left shoulder.
"Gah...!"
Marielle flinched violently, her hand jerking sideways as a sharp splash of scalding elderberry tea shot straight over the rim of her porcelain cup, drenching her white lace cuffs and splashing right across her lap.
