The garden party 3

Yetsune returns the smile, though she doesn't understand why Princess Eretria supports her. 

Princess Ayslin's gaze pierces Princess Eretria, who sits beside her, as sharp as daggers. "You've forgotten your place, Eretria. How dare a mere second-rank princess speak over a lineal princess?" 

Eretria flinches, her lashes flickering as she dips her head submissively. "I'm sorry," she stammers.

Murmurs ripple through the banquet table, appalled by Ayslin's overbearing attitude toward her gentle cousin.

Yetsune watches, her chest tightening as Eretria's shallow breaths and darting eyes show her fear. The princess's pale lips quiver, her hands clasping tightly together, bracing herself. The sight stirs Yetsune's own memories of fearing her father.

Irritated by the murmurs and judging stares, Ayslin seizes Eretria's wrist and yanks her closer. "Is this another of your games?" she hisses under her breath. "Painting me as the villain again?"