Viktor strolled across the courtyard when he spotted Kathryn and her friend, Harriet. He cursed under his breath and quickly turned around, hoping to avoid them. But just as he pivoted, he heard the unmistakable voice of Harriet calling out to him.
He cursed again before slowly turning back around—only to see Harriet already approaching, leaving Kathryn behind on the steps.
"Oh, Lord Rune, it is so good to see you," Harriet beamed. Her hair was pinned tightly back, pulling at her skin and exaggerating the sharpness of her features. She wore an orange dress with short sleeves and a neckline that dipped lower than necessary.
"Hello, Lady Harriet. It's good to see you too," Viktor replied, offering a polite smile that barely tugged at his lips.
"Please, you can just call me Harriet," she said, brushing a nonexistent strand of hair behind her ear while blushing—or pretending to blush. Viktor wasn't sure.
