"The Lady of Valehart is truly of rare temperament," remarked Baroness Yalian, the wife of a court official, her tone laced with thinly veiled curiosity. "His Lordship dotes so openly upon Lady Yvaine, and yet you remain so composed. Were it I, I fear I would have caused quite a scene by now!"
Caelith lifted slowly her gaze, serene as still water beneath moonlight. Such comments had always been amusing.
"My lord husband has his own judgment," she replied evenly, clutching her thin fingers around the wine goblet. "As a woman of the inner court, it is enough that I uphold my duties."
Baroness Yalian gave a soft, derisive laugh.
"And yet—what lawful wife would willingly watch her husband raise a woman of sullied reputation into his household as a concubine? It is unprecedented to say the least!"
Her words struck cleanly, like a blade laid bare.
