It's not yet horrifically late, by the time she walks back to the Duchess's mansion. It will be, by the time she gets back home, since she's still got to go be fitted for clothes, and she's barely taken time to eat. She's really, really got to get over herself and apply for a room at the palace tomorrow. It was stupid to think that she could keep the Queen from having absolute control over her in the first place; it's not like the Archmage Cotonnet doesn't know she has a child she's responsible for.

Anyway. One fight at a time, until you die, and then more fights after that, forever.

She knocks, and enters when allowed, and reads transcripts until whatever time is most convenient for the Duchess.