The encounter with Olivia left a bitter taste in Jo’s mouth.
By the time she finally stumbled back to her room, the stars were high, and her body felt like it had been dragged through a battlefield.
All day long, Olivia had paraded her around the royal mansion — from luncheons to endless discussions, forcing her to smile, nod, and endure the polite venom of the noblewomen.
Jo wasn’t even sure why she had been included.
Why now?
Why her?
The questions spun uselessly in her mind.
Jo had learned more than she wanted to — about titles, alliances, and subtle court wars.
Most of the women at the Queen's table were wives of high-ranking officials.
All except Veronica — the sharp-tongued noblewoman with the short bobbed hair.
In the royal kingdom, widows were expected to cut their hair s
