Nisa took the cup and held up a hand to gesture for Briar to stop.

"It was merely a misunderstanding. Don't make it into anything that needs apologizing. And you should recognize that your job is safe. You were not required to do more than I asked so don't waste words to flatter me unnecessarily. I appreciate the attempt to soften the blow, but it is truly fine. Do your job and you always have a place here. It is that easy. I assure you."

She wanted to frown in her embarrassment. She read far too much in a little touch and humiliated herself, but she had the etiquette to recognize it as her own fault. Maybe she wasn't as pretty as she was when she got married? Were her looks fading so fast? Maybe her maid didnt like women strongly enough she had to refuse to her face like this?
Ugh, she wanted to go up to her room and do something to distract herself. Instead, she sat politely and smiled to Briar as she sipped her tea.

"Excellent tea."