The silence that immediately followed the Archduchess' proposal spoke directly to the reaction of those around her. Everyone was amazed that the Archduchess of the House of Ashford had actually allowed herself such audacity.
Not only did Leriana invite the queen herself — but she did it in front of her fiancée. It was a brazen violation of every possible rule of decorum.
The Archduchess was well aware of this: but her expression had not changed. Still with the same relaxed look she waited for Her Majesty's answer.
Camilla gave her a piercing look.
«How dare that insolent…!»
From the start, the viscount's daughter had invited Leriana to the banquet — to enjoy her misery. She wanted to see the disappointment and pain on her face: after Camilla had taken everything from her. But she never expected that she would allow something like this to happen.
The girl herself decided to intervene and directly point out Lady Ashford's situation.
