The old man seated in Carl's chair straightened, his eyes narrowing as she approached. When she reached the dais, she stopped, lifted her chin, and stared directly at him.
"If you'll excuse me," she said evenly, voice carrying across the room, "this is my seat."
The hall went utterly silent.
The old man's face darkened, insult dripping from every syllable as he snapped back, "How impudent. Do you even know who I am, little girl?"
He turned toward Daniel, fury flashing in his eyes. "Daniel, explain this farce. Who is she?"
Daniel bowed slightly, voice oiled with false calm. "Prime Minister, forgive the interruption. She is… merely a girl His Highness took in. She doesn't know her place. Please, ignore her."
The housekeeper, silent until now, suddenly spoke from the stand. His voice was rough, but it carried.
"That's not true."
All eyes shifted to him.
