The Empress lifted a small porcelain cup, her fingers poised with grace as she took an unhurried sip of tea. Her gaze never wavered from the young woman across from her, ignoring the other noble women on the other side of the dining table.
Then, with the ease of someone discussing the weather, she asked:
// Do you really want to kill him? //
Aleriana's fingers stilled against her teacup. The words struck deeper than they should have; her voice was sharp as she firmly warned, //Mind your own business.//
// And what if I don't? // The Empress chuckled, swirling her tea before taking another delicate sip.
// Why are you here? // Aleriana exhaled slowly, her eyes unreadable as she processed that the further she took this conversation with this woman, the more irritating it would become.
// He called me. // The older woman arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk.
// And you just came? // A ghost of amusement flickered across Aleriana's face.
