Zarek sat back in his chair, one arm resting on the armrest and the other holding a glass of dark red wine. He seemed too calm.
"I was informed," he said, eyes on Maya and Justin, "that you were displaced during the last raid in your town."
His tone was casual, like he was talking about the weather.
Justin stiffened but answered at once. "Yes, Your Majesty. Our home was destroyed. We barely made it out."
Zarek nodded once, taking a sip of his wine. "Unfortunate."
His gaze shifted back to Eliora.
She hadn't touched a thing. Her hands rested in her lap, and her plate was untouched.
He lifted a finger. "Get a small table for the lady." he told one of the servants.
The servant hurried to obey.
When the small table was brought, Zarek reached out, pulled Eliora's chair, and turned it so she was facing him directly. Then he placed the small table between them.
The room felt like it stopped breathing.
"Leave us," he said to the servants.
They bowed and exited immediately.
