"Noted," Ms. Carpenter says in her clipped voice. "Would you like to write a formal letter?"

Leah shakes her head. "Better to relay the news quickly. Thank you for your time, Ms. Carpenter."

She curtsies, and departs.

Now she's really in it. 

Then again, this is what you get when you fuck the leader of the conservatives.

She sits down on her bed, and rubs her forehead. She'd better come up with a strategy, and fast. 

Eventually, it's time for lunch.

Aria Roscente enters the dining hall, her face fixed in a polite, neutral mask.

And on her arm is Corvina Quill, her head on a swivel, her posture stiff and unnatural.

They are shadowed on their left by a black-haired maid with a light, easy smile.

A hush doesn't fall over the hall when they step in. This is, after all, a very ordinary thing for the court; a new commoner being introduced to its hallowed halls. 

Still, at least a half-dozen people glance over when the unlikely pair walk into the hall.

Ms. Baker is closest to the entrance and most motivated; she excuses herself from her table in mid-interview and moves to Corvina's side. 

"Ms. Quill! I haven't seen you for almost a day. Have you finally reconsidered that interview?"

Aria ducks her head and sighs. "We'll discuss that in a few days, Ms. Baker. I'm taking Ms. Quill for her introductions to the court."

Ms. Baker moves with them as they move deeper into the hall. "You're that certain, huh. Can I at least have a photo of her in her academy uniform?"

"Come to my room for our usual interview tomorrow, and we can discuss it then. I know you are so concerned about your deadlines, but you have plenty else to report on."

Ms. Baker sighs, but nods. "Alright." She takes a step away and walks back in the direction of her interviewee.

Aria nods in return, and continues, pulling Corvina on with her.

Corvina follows clinging to Aria's arm. Her chest feels tight. There's so many people here...

She feels like she's surrounded by coyotes. 

Aria stops by the edge of the liberal table, and curtseys to Ishaza. "Your Grace of Thorn, may I present Ms. Quill?" 

A purple-skinned woman with horns looks up from her conversation with an underling and inclines her head to Aria. "Her Excellency Roscente and her protégé are recognized." She interlaces her fingers on the table. "I am pleased to see Ms. Quill rejoining the student body again. No doubt she was exhausted by her long carriage trip, but the Royal Academy does not accept students that are not willing to attend with their entire heart." 

Corvina bites her tongue, and remembers to curtsey as well.

"Ms. Quill seems an adept student, if relatively unschooled, and I am happy to lend her the rest and recuperation she deserves. Indeed, I would like to speak more at length with you about her further education." 

"Of course I am happy to contribute to the enduring success of such a prodigy as Ms. Quill. After all, our very own Black Cocoa was once a commoner." She spreads her hands. "Let us convene to discuss her education in private in one hour's time." 

Aria curtseys. "Very well, Your Grace." 

"Give my regards to His Grace of Brambles."

The corner of Aria's mouth quirks up. "By your Grace's leave." 

She pulls Corvina away from the table.

Corvina is taken off guard, but goes where she is lead.