THE ROOM RANG WITH SILENCE. Ada stared resolutely at the dress before her as she made various adjustments while ignoring the Countess Stranson's soon to be mother-in-law. The older woman made another 'humph' when Ada pinched at the back of the dress drawing the fabric in to fit tighter, watching as it smoothed out beautifully.

'What?' snapped the Countess, colour flushing up the back of her neck.

'You're looking too thin, Eyress,' the Grand Duke of Qua'tai's mother ...