ARIA'S POV
The moment I sat down, the whispers started. Some giggles could be heard from the rows in front of me, barely hidden behind raised hands and fake coughs.
Just then, a burst of laughter spread through the nearby crowd. I felt my cheeks burn but kept my chin high.
A woman with a bird-like face and too much jewelry leaned in my direction. "Oh, honey," she said, her voice filled with false sympathy. "Are you sure you want to sit there? It's awfully far from the action."
I met her gaze calmly. "I'm quite comfortable, thank you."
Another woman, younger but with the same predatory look in her eye, added. "Guess she didn’t win the favour of Griffith’s eldest son after all.”
Her friend laughed and glanced back at me with a mocking smile. “Or maybe she’s just fallen out of favour.”
