Chapter 13: The Inevitable

"Keep your back and neck straight as you walk. You're slouching." Julia ordered. She had been trying to fix Sidia's posture for the past hour in Julia's large, private quarters, huffing in disappointment whenever Sidia relaxed her body. She wasn't used to forcing herself into these positions, and her muscles ached from the strain.

"Your Grace, I do not mean to offend you, but I have to ask how necessary all of this is. I'm not even sure what Severus—"

At the mention of his name, Julia clapped her hands loudly in front of Sidia's face.

"What did I tell you?" she snapped.

"He might have given me permission to address him informally, but I should still use his title so as not to slip in noble company. My apologies." Sidia found all this rather absurd. Why should wealth or status change so much about how to live and interact with others? Why can't everyone just be themselves?

"Do better."

"Yes, Your Grace." Sidia bowed her head before continuing with her question. "As I was saying,