Katherine absentmindedly stirred her tea, the silver spoon clinking softly against the porcelain cup. The elegant sitting room was bathed in golden afternoon light, the delicate scent of floral tea mingling with the subtle fragrance of fresh pastries laid out before them. Across from her, Princess Laura tilted her head, her warm brown eyes filled with curiosity.
"You look troubled," Laura mused, resting her chin on her hand. "You've barely even touched your cake, and that is a rare and terrible crime."
Katherine blinked at her, then down at the untouched slice of honey-glazed sponge cake on her plate. Normally, she'd have devoured it by now, but her thoughts had been an absolute mess all morning. She sighed, setting her spoon down with a small clatter.
"I'm just… thinking."
"Dangerous," Lady Camille teased, sipping her tea gracefully. "What's on your mind?"
