43. Scheming

Esme’s POV

Silvan had ignored the obvious murmuring that accompanied his announcement and instead led us to our seat.

Contrary to what I had expected, Diane acted nicely and every now and then, she would lean in and ask if there was something I wanted to eat.

Gradually, I noticed that the hostile stares directed at me dwindled by a lot.

She had a lot more influence and I made up my mind to befriend her if she would let me. With Diane on Silvan’s side, the chances that another branch could destroy his hard work was impossible.

The banquet started with a lot of presentations like group dances and some drama. It was fun to watch how they incorporated their old practices into the modernity that was now in their world.

After about two hours, Diane stood up and clapped her hands.

“I guess that young and married girls can go and have some fun in the garden,” she announced and I glanced at Silvan.

Even though I fit into that criteria, I didn’t know if it was okay to stand up from the high