Socialize with the queen and ladies of the court

Per the queen's invitation, Riva freshened up, left her chambers, and fell into step beside the small group of ladies as they strolled into the sunlit gardens. Gravel crunched softly beneath their slippers while the scent of clipped lavender and blooming roses drifted on the warm air. The queen led the conversation, her voice low and amused as she recounted the latest scandal involving a minor lord's wife and a visiting merchant.

"They say she was seen leaving his chambers at dawn," the queen murmured, eyes sparkling. "Wearing nothing but a cloak and a satisfied grin."

The twiggy Lady Eivinel gave a thin laugh, her narrow face turning toward Riva. Her gaze dropped immediately to the swell of Riva's breasts, barely contained by the low neckline of her gown. The look was sharp, openly envious, and lingered a moment too long before flicking away.

"Some women have no shame," Eivinel said, voice tight. "They flaunt what they have without decorum, as though the rest of us must simply endure it."

Riva met the comment with a serene expression, casually letting her shoulders shift just enough that the fabric of her bodice strained. Lady Eivinel's eyes snapped back to her chest again, the envy sharpening into something almost hungry as she glared at the olive-skinned foreigner.

The group continued along the path, their talk turning to a rumored pregnancy, a disputed inheritance, and the sudden departure of a foreign envoy. Riva listened, offering the occasional soft comment while feeling the weight of Eivinel's repeated, resentful glances. Each time the woman's gaze returned to her bosom, Riva felt a small thrill of satisfaction.