Linnea and Sandoz were ushered into the duchess' chamber beneath the glittering light of crystal sconces. The doors thudded shut behind them, the echo ringing like a judge's gavel.
"Sit down, Linnea," the Duchess commanded, her voice a whip-crack.
Linnea remained upright, her spine like steel, her eyes cool but defiant.
Eloisa's voice sliced through the air like a blade, its sharpness demanding attention. "Are you truly going to defy me now?" Her eyes glinted with a mix of challenge and simmering fury, every word laced with an electric tension that charged the atmosphere around them.
There was a thick pause. Then, with heavy reluctance, Linnea and Sandoz sank into the carved velvet chairs.
Eloisa's sharp gaze darted to a waiting servant, who immediately swept forward with exaggerated deference.
