The dining hall of Lady Rose's estate felt unusually quiet that evening.
Instead of the extravagant spread Kyle had seen before, the long table held only a few modest dishes—some bread, a thin vegetable stew, and a small roasted bird that would barely feed them all.
The servants moved with subdued expressions, as though trying to hide the reality from their guests.
Lady Rose sat at the head of the table, back straight, chin raised. Her eyes, however, betrayed a restless glint. She greeted them all with a smile that looked rehearsed.
"Forgive the simplicity. The markets have been… unreliable lately."
She said lightly.
The Grand Duchess Amana studied her for a moment before responding.
"Unreliable markets, you say? I imagine that can be troublesome for someone in your position."
Lady Rose gave a dismissive wave.
"It's nothing I cannot handle."
But Kyle noticed the subtle tension in her shoulders.
