Emotion surged in Emilia's chest. She stood, eyes warm, and stepped down to take Martha's hand in hers.
"Aunt Martha. Cousin Amanda." She smiled brightly, the warmth in her face disarming the surrounding tension.
"Sit here," Emilia pointed to the space beside her.
But before the royal servants could move, Catherine stepped forward, her expression strained behind a falsely sweet smile.
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid the table arrangements have been meticulously planned. Shuffling them now could disorganize everything."
"The table is big enough. You don't have to make extra arrangements," Emilia replied, but Catherine continued to stand in her way.
"I'm afraid it's still improper. After all, they are still commoners," she retorted.
"Commoners? They are my family. Do you mean to say I am also a commoner?" Emilia questioned calmly, and Catherine quivered, shifting uncomfortably.
