บท 268: Violet: Birds of Prey

To her credit, Ilse refused to mention even once that her costume was a gift from Prince Leo. She deflected endless questions from the other ladies-in-waiting about where she'd been able to source such fabulous ornaments. She even made a point of complimenting the others' costumes even though hers was far and away the most beautiful.

Violet saw the questions and suspicions in the other ladies' eyes. Those eyes narrowed further with disbelief when they compared Ilse's golden loveliness with her own sober gown.

The contrast between the Thierre sisters had never been greater and Violet knew many would be talking about it.

The guest of honour himself approached Ilse almost right away, kissing her hand and praising her beauty. Prince Leo was dressed as a red fox, an animal that Violet thought perfectly suited his cunning, backhanded nature.