POV: Irene
I pushed open the heavy front door. The cool outdoor air struck my face, carrying the scents of garden flowers. Then I started walking down the central driveway toward the main exit.
That was when…
'Princess Olivia??'
Olivia was walking toward me, coming from the opposite direction. She wore a long dark dress, straight cut, high collar. The princess walked with confident steps. Her hair was slightly tousled by the wind: a few strands had come loose, brushing her temples.
When she spotted me, she stopped dead.
Her eyes narrowed. A crease appeared between her brows. She looked me up and down.
I stopped as well, five meters from her.
The wind lifted a strand across my forehead. I didn't push it back.
"What is Duchess Frostvine doing in a student's private quarters?"
Her voice was sharp enough to make it clear the hostility was no longer even concealed.
