Three months later, summer finally arrived in the capital. Alina wore a dark red gown she had sewn herself. On her neck hung her mother's locket and on her finger was the ring that belonged to the Duchess. But she still wore the same simple blue pin in her hair. Austin walked alongside her, their hands intertwined together.
Maren was already inside the court chamber. She had been there for an hour, preparing, mapping the political consequences she had studied relentlessly over the past weeks.
The women from the sewing circle were there as well including Cecily. Next to them sat women from the Blood Ink Pact. Some of these women had come from far away estates across the kingdom.
The doors creaked open and an attendant gestured for them to enter. Alina paused and looked up at Austin.
"Are you sure you don't want to come?" she asked softly.
Austin nodded.
"You go first."
