Selene entered the sitting room with her usual calm grace. The moment she stepped inside, the woman seated inside immediately rose and offered a respectful curtsy. She appeared to be in her early forties, dressed elegantly, though her attire carried the refined but slightly restrained air of a lesser noble household.
"Greetings, Lady Selene. I hope I have not disturbed your morning."
Selene returned the gesture with a warm smile.
"Please, have a seat."
Only after both women had settled did Selene take a proper look at her visitor. The face was unfamiliar. Armada seemed to notice her uncertainty and let out a soft, understanding laugh.
"It appears you do not remember me. I'm Armada Black, wife of Viscount of Cherad, Charles Wood."
Selene felt a twinge of embarrassment.
"I'm afraid my memory has never been particularly reliable."
