"You are a very beautiful woman, Duchess of Westminster."
Lina spoke sincerely. The duchess was indeed the most beautiful woman she had encountered since arriving in this world, and she saw no reason to pretend otherwise.
A trace of confusion crossed the duchess's face. Clearly, she hadn't expected the Queen to praise her, especially after the insults she had just endured. Before she could respond, Lina took her hand and raised it to her lips, kissing it with the same gallant courtesy a gentleman might offer a lady. When the duchess instinctively tried to withdraw her hand, Lina tightened her grip slightly, refusing to let her escape so easily.
"For Julian to abandon such a captivating woman as you, he must have something wrong with his eyes," Lina declared. "I don't know what he did to hurt you, but please believe me when I say that I'm willing to do what I can to make amends. Causing a woman as beautiful as you so much heartbreak and sorrow is practically a crime."
