Little by little, some of the stiffness left Ophelia's posture.
Circe watched her work in silence before proceeding to shatter Ophelia's brief moment of calm.
"I heard you have been quite busy lately." Circe began. "With all the embroidering you do, it's a wonder you have the time to spread lies about me."
The needle slipped.
Ophelia sucked in a harsh breath as the sharp needle tip pricked the side of her finger. A bead of blood welled immediately, staining the cloth.
Ophelia stared downward for a moment too long before gathering the courage to speak.
"Your Majesty, I—"
"Do not insult me by pretending otherwise." Circe's calmness only seemed to make Ophelia more nervous.
The woman swallowed hard, clutching the stained cloth tightly between her fingers.
"I never intended any harm," she said quickly. "I only repeated what I believed to be true."
"Which means you believe me to be a loose woman who has no regard for her husband."
