ue. Tiny droplets of water still clung to the ends of her dark, fragrant hair when she enter

hand-stitched tunics, rare teas, or polished whetstones for his swords. Now, he found her attempts to appease him rather pathetic and predictable. Co

ike his previous, drunken visit, he didn't look furious. In fact, he looked rather smug and deeply satisfied, carrying the faint, lingering sc

ly dismissed her. She sat down gracefully opposite him, her postur

me, Your Grace?" Elena asked mild

because I chose to keep Jessenia by my side, and you deliberately humiliated me at the Flower Bestowal in front of the entire co

roll abandoned your military posts at the border to return to the capital early. That is a severe dereliction of duty! Do yo

beg him to use his influence to save her brother. Instead, s

r voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "what is the penalty for a rogue, unregistered

temples, deeply disappointed by her lack of perspective. "It w

a male were permanently destroyed, and you call it a minor i

his hand dismissively as if erasing Carroll's tragedy. "As f

the capital for specialized healing," Elena interrupted smoothly, her anger masked once more by icy calm. "The King granted his

so flawlessly. He swallowed his frustration and glanced at the wooden box on the table. Assuming it wa

ar. "Our wedding is in exactly ten days. I came here to tell you that I am still wil