Elyse's fingers tightened slightly on her teacup. Her smile wavered, just a fraction, as she looked to Zara, hoping for alliance, some response, some cue.
Zara stayed quiet.
Lorraine didn't even shift in her seat.
And just as Elyse opened her mouth, likely to fill the silence with another passive-aggressive jab, Lorraine lifted her hands. Her movements were smooth and unhurried, like a queen who knew the battle was already hers.
Sylvia leaned in with perfect timing, her voice cool and measured as she translated: "Her Highness says she wasn't aware the lady of the manor required invitations in her own home."
A flicker passed through Elyse's expression, but she recovered quickly. "That might be… I came for Zara, of course. I wasn't expecting… others."
Lorraine didn't react.
Her eyes simply moved to Zara, then returned to Elyse.
Then, slowly, she uncrossed her legs and re-crossed them the other way. A statement without words: Continue your performance, I'm watching.
