Lydia was still smiling confidently at Olga, her eyes calm and steady, like a woman who had already decided she would not break no matter what. But Olga smiled back, her lips curving like a blade. Inside her heart she thought, you may think you are smart, but you have no idea what you are in for.
Vladimir's voice cut through the heavy silence. "Next case."
A senator, an older man with sharp eyes, stood and cleared his throat. His voice was laced with scorn. "Your Highness. You claim you host these balls for the prosperity of Svetlana, but how come there are constant rumors of you behaving improperly at these gatherings? We hear that you, a married woman, have been seen dancing with nobles and even flirting with them. And what's worse, His Highness was present during these shameful displays."
