The afternoon sun poured through the palace garden, bathing the table laden with an array of pastries in a warm, golden light. Yet, despite the comfort around her, a chill settled deep within Barbara as she recalled the events of yesterday. She sighed softly, casting a glance at Kristie while sipping her tea gracefully.
"I see your manners have improved since moving to the palace," Barbara remarked.
Noticing her behaviour, Kristie leaned back in her chair in an unruly way. The Queen, who had taken on the mission of teaching her etiquette, still influenced her. Once again, she was under the rigorous training of her strict mother-in-law.
"You didn't come here to discuss etiquette lessons, did you?" Kristie raised an eyebrow.
"My father has arranged a marriage for me," Barbara confessed, her frustration evident.
Kristie's expression remained stoic. "Let me guess—an old man with a fortune?"
