Beatrice and Lila entered the sitting room, greeted by the soft clinking of porcelain and the warm scent of freshly baked pastries. Queen Cecile sat gracefully at the head of the table, already stirring her tea with effortless poise. Across from her, Johanna had arrived before them, seated with perfect posture, a soft smile on her face.
"Ah, there you are," the queen said, looking up as they entered. "I was beginning to think you had gotten lost."
Beatrice, still high on the thrill of annoying Francois, grinned.
"No, Your Majesty. Just delayed by important discussions of a musical nature."
Lila scoffed. "She means she was caught singing something ridiculous."
Johanna tilted her head curiously. "Singing?"
"Let's not dwell on minor details." Beatrice waved a hand, settling into her seat.
Queen Cecile arched a delicate brow but let the topic slide. Instead, she gestured toward the spread of delicate pastries, fine jams, and neatly arranged tea sets.
"Please, help yourselves."
