"The pleasure is mine, Young Duke Pyris," she said with practiced diplomatic grace, though her eyes held calculating interest. "Though I must say, it's refreshing to meet you now not as a student at the academy, but as yourself—the young Lord of House Obsidian. And..." her smile turned slightly predatory, "my brother-in-law."
Pyris's smile didn't waver, though something dangerous flickered in his dark golden eyes. The corner of his mouth twitched—not quite a snort, but close. His expression remained perfectly controlled, the mask of noble breeding that revealed nothing of his inner thoughts. He offered no reply to the family connection, simply let the silence stretch until she leaned back in her chair, her probing intensity retreating.
"Emperor, I didn't know you'd have company. No one mentioned a plus one, not that I'm complaining to see another beauty—a good look away from the emperor, if you know what I mean, Emperor."
