Suspicious intentions

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows of Eleanor's private lounge, casting colorful shadows across the antique furniture. Eleanor stared at Claire with growing unease, noting the familiar glint in her friend's eye. Years of friendship had taught her to recognize when Claire was plotting something, and right now, every instinct warned her to be on guard.

"My cousin Edward has just returned from his studies abroad," Claire announced, her eyes bright with barely contained excitement as she adjusted her silk shawl. "He's been at the Imperial Science Academy in Geneva for the past three years. Brilliant mind, educated in the finest institutions, and comes from an excellent family lineage that traces back to the founding of our kingdom. I really think you two would get along splendidly."