As the gathering finally came to an end, the noblewomen slowly filtered from the queen's wing in clusters of soft conversation and rustling silk.
Servants moved ahead of them to open doors while palace guards remained stationed silently on their respective posts. The warm atmosphere from earlier still lingered among most of the women now, several of them openly discussing how unexpectedly pleasant the afternoon had been.
Avarine listened to it all with mounting irritation but she kept it from showing as she followed along beside the others, her hands hanging loosely at her sides.
Sunlight spilled through the tall windows lining the passage. Then she spotted Ophelia several steps ahead.
Perfect.
Avarine quickened her pace slightly until she fell into step beside her.
"Ophelia," she greeted warmly.
