I had expected the lunch with Lina to be quick and casual, nothing worth dressing up for, so I opted for a simple shirt and jeans as I stepped out of my room.
But no sooner had I left than Sophie appeared, standing firmly in my path like a soldier on guard duty.
"My lady," Sophie's voice was tense with forced politeness, "where are you going?"
"It's none of your business," I dismissed her, brushing past without a second thought.
But Sophie, ever persistent, proved more irritating than usual.
"Lady Sophia has instructed me to stay with you at all times," she insisted, trailing me with determined steps.
I shot her a glance, eyebrow raised. "What, are you my bodyguard now?" My words came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn't help it.
The idea of Sophie shadowing my every move was almost laughable.
