And just as soon as Harmonia was ready to turn on heel and leave to come back to see her grandmother at a more opportune time, she was being clasped by the elbow and led further into the palace. There was little she could say or do to protest that tea really wasn't necessary without causing offense so she just gave the attendant a small smile and continued onward toward the chair she was being guided to.
Her hands wet to the backs of her legs and smoothed downwards as she sat in hopes to keep her skirt under control as she sat near the front of the chair. If she sat back all the way temptation to slouch would be hard to fight and one did not slouch in the presence of Hera. No, one sat with a straight spine, shoulders back, chin lifted, legs crossed at the ankle and tucked to one side and with hands folded in the lap. So that was precisely how Harmonia sat. She knew how to be formal when it was required of her.
Just as she wanted to originally refuse the tea, she wanted to refuse the offer of food as well. But that would be beyond rude. So, to keep it simple Harmonia answered, “finger sandwiches would be fine, thank you.”
Balance took a deep, calming breath and let her fingers knit themselves together in her lap. She was nervous but she was trying very hard to keep that from showing on her face, even as she took in the elegance of her surroundings. “I am sorry I didn't give advance notice or schedule an appointment. I meant it, I can come back at a better time.” It was rather important that she be there, though. There were things that needed to be settled and putting it off to another day was benefiting no one.
It was necessary that this get struck off her list of things to do. “I am also sorry,” Harmonia started with a swallow and finally brought her wandering gaze back to her grandmother. “That I have delayed coming here. Acclimating to this world after four thousand years has been...” She struggled to find a word. Difficult? No. Overwhelming? No. Both of those gave the impression that the world was conquering her and she was not making her own way in it. “Challenging.”