Katherine gracefully disembarked from her carriage, her soft violet gown shimmering in the sunlight as the palace attendant extended a hand to assist her.
Alright, Katherine. Noble mode: activated. No weird comments. No awkward stares. No reacting dramatically if someone calls you "dear" in that overly sweet noble-lady tone. You can do this.
The warmth of the afternoon breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers from the palace gardens, a deceptive calmness compared to the tiny storm of nerves swirling in her stomach.
This particular invitation had been an unexpected yet heartwarming gesture from Princess Laura, with whom Katherine had grown close during her time in Albania.
"This way, my lady," the attendant guided, leading her toward the venue.
Katherine followed with measured steps, resisting the urge to gape at the palace's grandeur like a country girl seeing the capital for the first time.
