Morning light filled the breakfast room at D'Amore Manor as Isadora and Lady Celeste sat at the long, polished table. A maid moved silently behind them, refilling teacups and arranging platters of fresh bread, fruit, and pastries.
"Today is the Duchess' Gathering," Celeste said between sips of tea, her tone even. "All the dukes' wives, countesses, and several highborn ladies will be there. They'll discuss court affairs—charity drives, upcoming fêtes, and, no doubt, plenty of gossip."
Isadora set down her fork. "I thought we were focused on the magician and the bracelet."
"We are," Celeste assured her. "But among those ladies is someone I trust—Lady Amara DeVere. She's renowned for her knowledge of Veridion's hidden histories. If anyone can shed light on the bracelet's origins, it's her."
Isadora nodded. "Then let's go."
