"Tell me then, Ianthe, for clearly I am most ignorant in this matter and in need of being schooled." Peony's sarcasm dripped like thick honey. "How is acting outside of a designated role during a festival causing offence to the community as a whole enough to earn a trip to the stocks?" Or, was she, as Peony heavily suspected merely trying to give her a scare into quick compliance.

All stick and no fucking carrot.