Lady Lilia

I received a note asking how to get in without an invitation. I didn't reply. The question was already its own answer.

• TessaWasn't me...?
  Lady LiliaI never said who. Why raise your hand?
  Tessa...Going to bed now.
• OwenForging an invitation only takes three hours, you know.
  Lady LiliaCould that mouth of yours close in three hours too?

Under a chandelier, one mistake becomes ten rumors. So I practice my smile first.

• The LibrarianYou were smiling in the archive too. Not looking at any books.
  Lady LiliaLibrarian, please keep that between us.
  The LibrarianI've already written it in the ledger.
• LeonhardtA ball is a place for society. Not for calculation.
  Lady LiliaYour Highness, you of all people know society is calculation.

I closed my fan at the door. A few people learned today that a closed fan can be sturdier than any door.

• The Swordsmanship InstructorAnyone can open the training yard door.
  Lady LiliaMust be nice, having a position like that, Instructor.
  The Swordsmanship InstructorIt is. Sweat doesn't ask about rank.
• TessaI'm not going to the ballroom, I mean it
  Lady LiliaWise of you.