~ ZARA ~
I frowned. "Why are you chastising me? You put them in their places constantly!"
She turned her head and looked at me evenly. "I am a ruler of a nation. For decades. I have earned my right not to care. You, however, carry the airs of a child who thinks herself to be a woman. It's very noble of you, dear, not to compete for their favor. But do not come crying to me when your willingness to disdain them swallows you whole."
I blinked as she turned to scan the table, her face tightening. "I told you not to make the mistake of underestimating them, yet you did not listen. Now you stand here, playing second string to a woman whose mind is as sharp as her tongue—"
"And you aren't chastising her!"
"Because she wisely keeps her barbs to herself, except in certain company."
Our whispers were beginning to draw attention. Agatha cleared her throat and took a bite of her eggs, while I tried to focus on my plate and not glare at anyone.
