Malachi did not speak for a long moment. He simply stared down at Zaliyah, his crimson eyes tracing every inch of those white locks, the bare throat, and the glowing red brand.
Kizari's eyes flashed with venom. She forced a patronizing smile onto her red lips, leaning forward so her gold necklaces clinked loudly.
"How thoughtful of you to join us, Consort Zaliyah," Kizari's voice purred sweetly, though it was laced with malice. "We were beginning to think you were too frail to attend the celebration of our border victory. But I see His Majesty's hair-restoring tonic worked wonders on you. You look... remarkably beautiful tonight."
A few sycophantic ministers along the front tables let out low chuckles, trying to appease the Queen.
Zaliyah slowly raised his head, his violet eyes meeting Kizari's icy blue gaze with serene tranquility.
