Madam dragged Aire to the banquet hall immediately after breakfast.
She dragged her down with just a firm grip around her wrist and a sharp, "Come."
Aire barely had time to process it before she was being pulled down the corridor. Her steps were uneven as she struggled to keep up.
"Madam—" she tried to reason, her voice soft, and breath catching.
Rather, Madam said. "Walk faster."
Aire's lips pressed together. She said nothung more, and just obeyed.
Servants moving in quiet efficiency. Guards stationed at their usual posts. A few glanced at her as she passed. Their eyes lingering on just a second too long with tiny judgement.
Aire felt it crawl under her skin. Her fingers curled slightly at her sides.
The memory of the night before hadn't left her. It clung to her like something unseen but heavy.
She couldn't forget Nate's grip. The wall against her back. The look in his eyes. And then, the slap.
Her chest tightened faintly.
