The venue for the banquet had been decided before either party arrived.
Bader and his group arrived a bit earlier, mingling with people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their Federation counterparts.
Navigating these high-society events was second nature to them, each wearing their usual practiced, superficial smiles.
"When on earth are the people from the Federation getting here?" Anna was already getting impatient. After dealing with someone, she stepped aside and asked Beau in a hushed voice.
Beau knew Anna's little quirks.
She was proud and competitive, and now that Zoe Pierce had overshadowed her, she was feeling a bit disgruntled.
Even her outfit today had been the result of a great deal of fuss and deliberation.
A deep, starry-blue tulle gown made her look noble and reserved. Her aristocratic etiquette was ingrained in her very bones; she now held her back as straight as a proud swan.
"What if Zoe Pierce is prettier than you?" Beau teased her with a smile.
