Calmly Disappointed

"Princess Nnenna," she began, her voice as smooth as ever, "you told me you had things to do during my class. But my workers also informed me that you didn't show up for their classes either."

Her tone was not accusing. It was not angry.

It was worse.

It was calm. Too calm.

Nnenna held her breath for a second before answering. "Teacher Rose, the thing I had to do during your class… I also had to continue it after the other classes."

"I see," Lady Rose said, her gaze sharp. "And what exactly were you doing?"

Nnenna hesitated for only a heartbeat before responding.

"I was taking hold of an opportunity," she said, her voice steady, not sounding like a child at all. "A chance to prepare for the grand ball in a way that will allow me to make excellent use of it."

She lifted her chin slightly, meeting Lady Rose's gaze head on.

"What I'm doing now will help me seize that opportunity when the time comes."