Juniper’s heart ached for the woman. She was aware of Hannah’s pitied look and that her tutor had finally set down his pen, but there was nothing they could say.
It was the following person’s turn, and Juniper quickly forgot about the woman as her eyes settled on Shaylee.
Her fake smile reached from ear to ear, and she stood next to her parents.
Juniper froze, not taking the mourner’s tea.
“Mommy, Daddy,” she said like a total bratty child. “This is my friend Juniper.”
“It is an honor to meet you, Lady of Sala.” They bowed, and Shaylee practically bounced from toe to toe in the excitement of her parent’s approval.
“Likewise,” Juniper responded, not wanting to be rude to her elders. She gathered the sachets of tea as they spoke.
“We’d love to have you over for dinner once your duties allow it.”
one looked at Shaylee’s face and had the best of her. “That would be lovely, thank you. The kingdom feels your loss” she handed them the tea, and they bowed.