Afternoon light streamed through the small window of the east wing. Alina unlocked the door and stepped inside. Cecily was by the window, looking at the garden below. She turned at the sound of the door, her face lighting up.
"Tell me about the party," Cecily said before Alina could even sit down. "I saw the lanterns, women dancingfrom the window. I also noticed you arrived late in a very beautiful red dress."
Alina sat down and told her everything. Cecily listened to everything carefully.
"You sewed the dress yourself?" she asked in disbelief.
"Yes."
"I'm sure Audrey would have received the message that you are an idiot for attacking a seamstress with a blade," Cecily grinned.
But after a few seconds, she became serious.
"Alina…I need to tell you something."
"What is it?" Alina asked, worried.
"Last night, during the party… I heard someone outside my door."
Alina's hand went cold.
"Who?"
