The visit

"Iris will not go to the palace" The duke's words were like an ultimatum that could never be changed.

But unlike him, the Duchess spoke differently, "We cannot refuse an invite from the palace. Not without a proper reason at least, you know that husband"

The duke frowned, "Well then we can provide an appropriate reason and be done with it"

"And pray tell me what appropriate reason you have in refusing our daughter from going to the palace?"

"We can tell that she is sick," He said, the simplest one he could come up with, but that made the Duchess laugh.