Eleanor pushed open the heavy door to Prince Adrian's office with more confidence than she felt, her heart pounding in her chest. She swept inside, her chin held high, and announced her presence.
"Your Highness, I hope I'm not interrupting."
The room fell silent. Prince Adrian looked up from his desk, his expression shifting from surprise to mild hesitation.
"Lady Eleanor," he greeted, his tone measured. "I wasn't expecting you."
Across from him, Lady Seraphine sat poised in her chair, a smirk curling at the corners of her lips. Her sharp, icy gaze locked onto Eleanor, a silent challenge in her eyes.
Eleanor walked further into the room, keeping her steps deliberate and even. She stopped just in front of Lady Seraphine and gave a polite nod. "Lady Seraphine."
"Eleanor," Seraphine replied, her tone dripping with faux warmth.
Eleanor turned to Adrian, her voice unwavering. "Your Highness, I was hoping to have a word with you. Alone."
