Rhea's voice was quiet when she spoke, but the words carried more weight than she intended. "I thought you wouldn't come to me tonight."
Neris, who had just settled onto the edge of the bed, lifted his head and looked at her. The firelight caught in his pale eyes, sharp and unreadable.
"And why would you think that?" he asked.
She hesitated. The answer was dangerous—but she gave it anyway.
"To maintain peace between the North and the South. I thought that since they are here, and calista is Azarion's daughter, that he already disapprove of this union. Much less you coming to me for your needs."
For a heartbeat, the room was silent.
Then Neris laughed.
It wasn't loud. It wasn't cruel. It was a low, incredulous sound, as though he had just been amused by something utterly ridiculous.
"Is that truly what you believe?" he asked, standing. "That I would avoid your chambers because of Azarion?"
Rhea pressed her lips together. She did not answer.
