Veronica usually flustered and anxious, bustled about her usual nervous energy replaced with a giddy excitement."My lady, look!" she exclaimed holding aloft a stack of elegantly addressed invitations. "Invitations! from the most prominent families in Eldoria!...they wish to...to meet with you!"

Lady Vashti smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes, the change was palpable. Yesterday, she was the illegitimate princess, the object of scorn and whispered insults. Today, she was...different, her courage, her refusal to be cowed, had sparked a shift in the court's perception. The whispers hadn't stopped entirely, but they held a new note....one of wary respect, perhaps even admiration.

She glanced at the invitations, each one a testament to this surprising turn of events. The crest of House Damascus, a lady know for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue, requested a meeting, intrigued, she carefully unfolded the delicate paper, revealing the elegant script within.

My Dearest Princess Vashti

The events of Madelyn's birthday have left me utterly speechless in the most delightful way, I might add, your courage, your...spirited rebuttal, was truly remarkable the entire court, including myself, found themselves captivated by your....unyielding spirit, it was quite unlike anything I have ever witnessed before.

I would be honored, deeply honored in fact, if you might grace my humble manor with your presence for a small tea talk. I've been experimenting with a new blend of jasmine and Earl grey, and I an rather eager to share it with someone whose taste I suspect is far more refined than my own. We can gossip over cakes, discuss the latest fashions and of course, indulge in some delights, if perhaps slightly scandalous courtly whispers.

Do allow me to alleviate any fear of potential dullness, we would speak on matters of high importance too, of course,while sipping our tea and biting into my famous lemon tarts. It will be an opportunity for a most intriguing discourse, I daresay, let us say, next tuesday, at three?, I do hope I'm not imposing.

With deepest admiration

lady Floral Damascus

Veronica beamed, her eyes sparkling with delight" Lady Damascus, my lady!, she's known for her sharp tongue but she's also incredibly influential, this is...this is wonderful!".

Lady Vashti couldn't help but agree, the morning unfolded in a surprisingly peaceful manner. the sun continued its gentle reign, bathing everything in its warm glow. The air was sweet with the scent of honeysuckle, and the birdsong serenaded her with it's cheerful melody. Even the usual surly kitchen staff seemed...kinder, or perhaps, she simply noticed it less today. The change within her had altered her perspective, the world seemed to had shifted along with it. Today, she was not merely as illegitimate princess. Today, she was powerful. Today, she was the storm that changed the weather.