The room was thick with unspoken tension as if a storm were brewing just beneath the surface. "I sincerely apologize for hurting your feelings, Lady Beatrice," I said, hoping to ease the situation.
Her response was unexpected. "Oh, it's perfectly fine, as long as you're willing to share everything with me," she said, her smile warm but her eyes sharp, a flicker of something unsettling hiding behind her friendly facade. She waved her hand dismissively as if she could brush away any lingering hurt.
Confused by her words, I asked, "What do you mean? What are you talking about?"
Lady Beatrice stepped closer, circling me like a hawk observing its prey. When she stood directly in front of me, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Holding a feather fan, she leaned in and playfully brushed it against my chin, forcing me to meet her hard gaze.
