"Valerie, what is the meaning of this?"
Athea's gaze moved briefly toward Valerie's hand on Zaeryn's arm before returning to her cousin. Whatever surprise she had felt at finding them together had already hardened into displeasure.
"I'm giving our special guest a tour of the palace," Valerie replied, sounding entirely unconcerned.
Zaeryn glanced sideways at her. He had seen his mother silence entire benches of councilwomen through a holographic projection, and being in her physical presence made that aura of absolute command impossible to ignore. Valerie, however, appeared perfectly comfortable standing in front of her with an easy smile.
"He is not a guest. You cannot parade him through the royal wing," Athea corrected.
"Ouch," Zaeryn muttered.
Valerie faked a wounded look, turning her eyes to Zaeryn. "You've hurt our guest's feelings, cousin," she observed.
