Raquel's Tea Party

Raquel watched as Ryker headed back to where she was sitting, glad he was returning. The noblewomen who had appeared while he was gone had pounded on her like a pack of hungry wolves.

Some were social ladder climbers, trying to find a way into her graces while others were just there to judge and make themselves look better.

Still, Raquel spoke to them as they had their uses. She let it slip that the queen was coming to a tea party she was hosting, knowing that by the end of the night all the nobles in the capital would know about it.

But now that she had done what she needed to do, Raquel felt drained. She wanted nothing more than to head home and sleep.

Too bad she had to keep up appearances.

“Excuse me ladies but I’m here to steal her highness for a dance.” Ryker said as he appeared before the group. “Your highness.”

He held out a hand for her and Raquel had to bite down the sigh of relief in finally being able to escape the noblewomen. She quickly took his hand and got up.