LIORA’S POV
I forced a smile onto my face, the expression feeling brittle and fake.
“Thank you, Lady Elora. You’re too kind.”
Elora’s eyes sparkled with satisfaction. “Actually, I was just about to have tea with some of the ladies. Why don’t you join us? It would be the perfect opportunity for you to meet everyone before the party tomorrow.”
My stomach dropped. The last thing I wanted was to spend an afternoon with Elora and her friends, being scrutinized and judged while she played her perfect hostess act.
“That’s very generous, but…”
“We’re in the middle of a lesson,” Lady Maelis interrupted smoothly, her voice crisp. “Lady Liora has several more hours of instruction scheduled for today.”
Elora’s head turned toward her, and the warmth drained from her face. She looked at Lady Mael
