“Long time no see, Duchess Cessley. I heard you’ve gone back to your estate, but here you are,” Countess Lausanne smiled.

“Yes,” the Duchess smiled stiffly, “at His Majesty’s command, I’ve come to serve the Queen, Countess Lausanne.”

Their conversation was short and brief, but Alicia noticed from the Duchess’ tone that she had little feelings for the Countess. The Duchess was the sort of person who treated everyone with kind words and smiles, but toward the Countess, it was of clear hostility.

“Countess, how long have you traveled and what took you so long to get here? I sent a letter to Her Majesty yesterday,” Alicia said with a...