Circe met the queen's gaze evenly. Her fingers tightened briefly in her lap before she forced them to relax, smoothing her skirts like nothing happened. "No, actually," she said calmly. "I have always been known to adapt quickly, no matter the situation."
The queen studied her for a moment, then laughed softly. "How optimistic." She turned slightly toward the others. "Isn't she charming? Confidence as well."
"It takes a great deal to become properly settled here as a foreigner," one of the noblewomen remarked. She was older, her dark hair styled into an elegant updo, sharp eyes assessing Circe with open distaste.
"Don't be cynical, Lady Agatha," Irah said lightly, humor lacing her words. "You will frighten the girl."
Nheera lifted a hand, the gesture gentle, almost maternal, as though she was correcting an errant child.
