Seraphine straightened, her gaze settling calmly on Ilaria. There was nothing openly disrespectful in her expression. If anything, her smile was perfectly polite.
"Forgive me for the interruption," she said lightly. "But I could not help overhearing the conversation."
The Marchioness' fan paused mid-motion, scrutinizing the first daughter of the Dorovian Lord with keen eyes.
Seraphine's eyes drifted briefly toward the women gathered there before returning to the princess.
"And I must agree," she continued pleasantly, standing between them like she has been part of the conversation ever since. "His Highness has always been an attentive partner."
The way she said the word was almost thoughtful, confident even.
Ilaria returned the polite smile expected of her station, though the woman's tone stirred a faint, uneasy curiosity within her.
Seraphine clasped her hands lightly before her.
