Beatrice sat by the window with Elisha curled against her side, the kitten's steady breathing grounding her more than any words could. She had let the worst of yesterday's anger slip away overnight, burned out like the final embers of a dying fire.
It had been petty, maybe, to snap at Johanna the way she had. The girl hadn't meant any real harm.
And it was her last day.
Beatrice sighed and rose, brushing cat hair from her skirts. She would find Johanna. Offer some brief apology, say goodbye, and move on.
The halls were quiet as she stepped out, servants moving briskly in the late morning hush. She adjusted the sleeve of her dress, fingers smoothing the silk more out of habit than nervousness.
But she didn't make it far.
A steward intercepted her just past the east corridor, bowing low.
"My lady. The queen summons you."
Beatrice paused. "Now?"
"Immediately."
