Aerynthar quickly diverts his sharp, calculating eyes away from me. He smoothly inclines his head, executing a measured, flawless bow toward the Eryndor Empress.
"Your Imperial Majesty, Empress Seraphine of Eryndor, I offer my respects."
Empress Seraphine looks down at him, her posture radiating absolute authority.
"Aerynthar Vaeloria, Eryndor welcomes you with full honor," she says, her voice carrying across the courtyard. "It is reassuring to see familial bonds remain strong, even across sovereign borders."
Oh, damn. I have to bite the inside of my cheek to stop my jaw from dropping. Empress Seraphine knows exactly what she is doing!
Praising their "strong familial bonds" when everyone knows the Elves happily threw me away as a political sacrifice is the most elegant, lethal sarcasm I have ever witnessed.
My mother-in-law is a savage!
Before Aerynthar can respond, Sylrienne steps forward.
