"I offer my greetings to Her Highness the Crown Princess," said Arkan, slightly bowing with one hand over his chest—a formal gesture typical of nobles.
His movement was calm and composed, filled with respect yet not excessive—a gesture he had learned from palace etiquette books since first entering noble circles. His gaze remained steady, indicating that while he bowed to the title, he would never bow to political games without calculation.
Princess Marie returned the greeting with a graceful nod, wearing a friendly smile that was almost too perfect for someone who had just traveled a long distance. She sat down after being signaled by a servant, carefully tucking the edge of her dress and straightening her back. Her movements were refined, but to trained eyes like Arkan's, something about it felt just a bit... rehearsed.
