Nyalei let out a soft amused laugh. It was the sound of someone who enjoyed watching sparks turn into fire.
She stepped farther into the room and circled Lara slowly.
Yleva kept her head bowed, trembling, still clutching her burned face.
"You look terrible," she said lightly. "I'm surprised you're still standing."
Lara held her ground, though every muscle in her body trembled from hunger and exhaustion.
Nyalei stopped in front of her. She liked boldness, even when it was foolish and as she looked into her deep blue eyes, she was captivated.
"Yleva," the princess said without looking back, "if you ever threaten the little ones again, I'll carve those hands off myself."
Yleva gasped, dropping to her knees.
"Princess, no, I... she's lying, I didn't —"
Nyalei turned her head slowly.
"Are you calling me blind?"
Yleva bowed so fast her forehead hit the floor.
"N-no! I would never —"
"Good," Nyalei said, already bored. "Now get out."
