As the laughter and chatter settled back into clinks of crystal and soft music, Seraphina set her eyes on the door.
"Sister Sera…" a sharp, animated voice echoed in the hall, grabbing everyone's attention.
A young woman strode into the hall, her golden scarf fluttering behind her. Tall, styled, and clearly someone accustomed to attention, she pulled Seraphina into a half-hug.
Dahlia Astor, Seraphina's cousin.
"Dahlia," Seraphina smiled, though it wavered for half a second. "You actually came."
"Of course I came. I wasn't going to miss your banquet." Her eyes swept around as she exclaimed, "You didn't tell me this would be so elegant! My God, this is better than that charity dinner in Vienna last month. At least people here have actual taste."
Aveline stood a few feet away, waiting for Seraphina to finish the conversation. She didn't intend to linger, but neither did she want to interrupt.
Seraphina chuckled, "Well, I try."
