"Shouldn't you be sitting at home, worrying about your father's business," Lady Margaret chides Mariamme. "There are more important things to focus on."
Marianne smirks. "Lady Margaret, you are so impatient," she says. "Whether my father's business flourishes or flounders, we'll have to wait and see." She arches an eyebrow in a way that make Margaret's pulse quicken.
"Thank you for attending my birthday party," Margaret says, her voice tinges with annoyance. She flashes Prince Henry a bright smile, but he regards her with a blank expression.
Lady Margaret excuses herself from the conversation and disappears into the crowd, leaving Marianne, the crown prince of Austria and Prince Henry alone.
The party is in full swing, with people milling about and exchanging gifts. It is a lavish affair, and everyone seemed to be having a good time.
Prince Henry turns to Marianne, his face unreadable. "What was that about?" he asks.
