Then Felicia's mother, the Beastkin Queen, finally spoke, her voice calm but edged.
"What is happening to both of you? Mimi, you are blunt and abrasive, that is your nature. But you, Felicia?" Her gaze sharpened on her daughter.
"Are you not supposed to be gentle, serene, graceful, and refined?"
"M…mo…mother…" Felicia's voice cracked as she lowered her head, her hands trembling. She stared at the floor, unable to meet her mother's eyes.
The air grew heavy, tension pressing down on the four girls like a storm about to break.
But then.
Lady Francesca's serene laugh cut through the silence, soft and melodic. She lifted her hand delicately to her lips.
"Now, now~" she said gently, her tone like silk. "Don't scold them too harshly, Your Highness."
The queens turned slightly toward her, but Francesca's gaze never wavered, her smile steady.
