Chapter 61

Julia's palace was thick with the scent of roses. It was enough to give me a headache, and I couldn't help but speak up.

"Would it be all right if I opened a window, Your Majesty?"

Julia nodded, and a maid moved at once. Once the window opened, the rose scent that had filled the room drifted out, and fresh air flowed in.

"You must have been quite startled, to be summoned so suddenly, Lady Diana. Oh — since you're to be engaged to Cassion, may I simply call you Diana? You're practically my own daughter now, after all."

Gooseflesh crept up my arms. If I hadn't worn long sleeves, Julia would have known at once exactly how much I despised her.

Though I suppose she already knows that much, regardless.

I smiled sweetly and set down my teacup.

"Please, feel free."

I didn't mean a word of it.

"I…