<strong>Adonia's Office--Sophie</strong><br/><br/>Adonia's eyes lifted from the mountain of paperwork stacked before her, eyes sliding over the girl that entered her study. A slender brow canted slightly higher than the other as the girl approached. When Sophie leaned against the highly polished cherry wood of her desk, Adonia leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms under her full breasts. Azure eyes took the girl in with a cold, calculating glance.<br/><br/><br/>"First off girl, you are far from a Duchess. I will assure you that. I knew your mother, she carried herself with a grace that you yet lack. I am fully aware of who you are, and there has been no mistake. And I would remind you that the hell hole in which you speak of is a noble house. I have cut people's tongues out for less." Adonia rose to her full height of five foot ten inches and rounded the desk in quick strides. In her hand was a riding crop, that had been hidden by the large desk before her. Adonia closed the space between herself and Sophie, her hand coming out to grasp the tender strands of hair at the nape of her neck and yank backwards, in a bid to expose her throat.<br/><br/>"Now look here little girl. I called you here because I am going to address the issue of your title and lands. Now I advise you to shut your mouth and be patient, until my brother can show up with the others. If you can not find it in yourself to behave, I will have you gagged and hogtied to my desk. Am I clear?" Adonia waited for some sort of affirmation.