Rumors about Lina and the Duke of Champagne had begun spreading through the palace almost immediately after Julian's visit. Several maids kept sneaking glances at her, their eyes filled with curiosity, although none dared approach her directly to ask about the gossip.
Lina could easily guess what they were whispering about. In a palace full of idle nobles and servants, nothing entertained people more than rumors about the private affairs of powerful men and women.
She didn't take it seriously. This wasn't some ancient Eastern kingdom where a woman might be thrown into a pig cage for having a scandalous affair. From what she had observed at the banquets she attended, many noblewomen openly maintained lovers, and having one or two affairs seemed almost like a social custom. As the Queen of Lorraine, what was so extraordinary about being linked to a notorious playboy? If anything, plenty of women might envy her for attracting such a handsome man.
