[Bonus chapter]Tongues as sharp as daggers

Lady Ivory modestly left the pavilion and approached the three ladies. Behind her was Lady Julienne, glaring daggers at Suzanne, while the latter also glared back at her. Their dislike for each other was obvious, but the rest turned a blind eye to this silent gesture. 

Lady Ivory uttered a few flowery words, which Aries returned with the same energy, praising the lady's demeanor and even her great results during the entire competition. Despite the kind words used, there was a clear hostility in the air. Yet, Lady Ivory invited them to join them for a cup of tea. 

Sybil and Suzanne signaled Aries to refuse, knowing Aries was still recovering and the last thing they wanted to deal with right now was humoring the vain Lady Ivory and her arrogant handmaiden, Lady Julienne. However, Aries feigned ignorant and accepted her invitation. Which led the five ladies to sit around the round, intricate table with snacks and tea on top of it.