Beside him, Jolthar could feel Cleora's tension radiating like heat from a forge.
The baroness had not missed the predatory gleam in Raayani's eyes, nor the way the woman positioned herself to display her considerable charms to their best advantage.
For her part, Cleora understood exactly what game was being played—she had been like her once herself, and had wielded her own beauty as both shield and sword in the complex dance of noble politics.
"And might I inquire," Raayani continued, her voice dropping to a more intimate register, "where you might be travelling on so bitter a winter day?"
"The Imperial City," Jolthar replied truthfully, seeing no reason for deception.
"His Imperial Majesty has requested the baroness's presence at court."
Raayani's eyes lit up with an inner fire that had nothing to do with reflected sunlight.
"How absolutely perfect! I, too, was planning to make the journey to the capital—certain business arrangements require my personal attention."
