Lady Pemberton had arranged a card party for the ladies of the castle. Surprisingly, Alina also received the invitation, delivered by a maid who looked like she would rather be anywhere else.
Alina didn't want to go. She knew she would have to listen to cutting remarks disguised as compliments, answer questions meant to corner her, and face the careful dissection of everything she said and did. She didn't have the strength for it right now.
Lady Talbot found her an hour before the party.
"You're coming with us," she said.
"I'm not."
"You are." Lady Talbot took her arm. "If you won't, it will send the wrong message. They'll say you're hiding and you're afraid of facing them."
"I am…afraid."
"Don't be. You have done nothing to be afraid of. The marriage postponement has nothing to do with you. It was the king's decision."
At the same moment, Marguerite appeared from the library with her embroidery bag over her shoulder.
"We'll go together. You won't be alone."
