Blossom gave her a tiny nod while her tail flicked against her chair. She was trying not to wag it too obviously.
Ayame straightened her back as a sudden burst of strength returned to her spine. Her hand no longer trembled.
She looked back toward the duchess's table.
There was steel in her tone now. Not the sharp, brittle kind. This was tempered. She was back in control.
From across the table, Quinlan smiled.
