There were days when Liliana had wished that her father had at least granted her the decency of marrying the woman who had brought her into the world. Had legitimized her. Even if the marriage had been brief, even if Ambrosia had been destined to be added to the mix later. Liliana wouldn't have this constant dagger held over her head.

But today was supposed to be about her, and Ambrosia couldn't even give her that. One day in which they looked like a normal family who might not hate each other. "Perhaps that at least we had the decency, or even honor, to stand by one another. Your absence seemed to be a much louder reminder of my breeding."

Some of the gossip, no matter how quiet, had been outright cruel. But who could possibly have known. Perhaps Ambrosia was right, and it would have only been worse. But the absence had stung nonetheless. No matter how they felt about one another, Liliana had looked up to Ambrosia. No matter how much they despised one another, Ambrosia wad Liliana's only true exposure to what a mother was.

But still, Liliana straightened herself. "I mustn't keep my husband waiting any longer. Goodbye, Ambrosia." With that, she left the room, not caring if she was dismissed.