Jennifer's fan fluttered in front of her face as she whispered back, "Pathetic, really. A princess clinging to a servant like a child to her nurse."
Across the table, Jolene forced a smile to hide her frown. She muttered just loudly enough for those near to hear, "Such theatrics… all for attention."
But not all the glances were cruel. Lilian, ever the crown princess, arched a brow and said evenly, "A loyal servant is rarer than jewels. If the seventh princess values hers, perhaps we should learn to admire instead of sneer."
Christina scoffed at that, but said no more.
Salviana either did not notice or chose not to. She had eyes only for her two companions. She took Florence's hand in one of hers, Jean's in the other, and guided them forward toward the table. "Come, I kept seats for you. Right beside me."
"You did?" Florence asked, touched.
