<strong>Adonia's Study--Sophie, Marco, Rhiannon, Grace</strong><br/><br/>Adonia could not help but chuckle at the girl that was now hobbled beside her massive desk. The curse word eased past the girl's lips far too liberally for the Noblewoman of D'enes' liking. "You are no nobleborn woman, for if you were..such words would not fall from your lips." She tsked, reaching for a strip of cloth at her hip. Producing it, she placed a great amount of pressure on either side of the girl's mouth, waiting for it to snap open. When it did, Adonia placed the cloth in place, tying the rest of it behind the girl's head.<br/><br/>"That should suffice for now." When Adonia straightened, she offered a swift kick to the girl's backside for good measure. Marco's words cut through the air, and she sent a glance in his direction, azure eyes mixing and mingling together.<br/><br/>"Ah brother, always coming in when all of the work is finished." It was a jab, though subtle, one that he would no doubt catch the meaning of.<br/><br/>"I am glad that you could join me brother. I have news that I am sure will make you quite happy." Adonia smirked, moving back around her desk to settle into the large wingbacked chair that had once served as her father's perch. "You see that bit of baggage there, trussed up for the world to see?" She motioned toward Sophie with a cool inclination of her head. "Her title and lands now belong to us, thanks to a new business venture that proved to be quite fruitful." Those cool azure eyes slid over Sophie, waiting to see her reaction to the news.<br/><br/>Her gaze only lingered a moment, before sliding back to Marco. "So, brother, it looks like you will no longer be an untitled man. You will take on the title of Count, and I the title of Duchess." Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction.<br/><br/>Her gaze slid toward Grace. "Do close that door girl." Adonia's eyes did not linger long enough to see if her order was carried out. It was apparent in the way she spoke that she was use to her orders being followed from the get-go.