Oh no.
This would not end well.
I could already see it the dangerous gleam in my parents' eyes, the way my grandparents exchanged knowing glances, the sheer anticipation radiating from my entire bloodline.
I had unintentionally made the mistake of proving that I was competent.
Which, in this family, meant only one thing:
More training.
More lessons.
More tyrant grooming.
I took a deep breath, clasping my hands together with as much calm as I could muster. "I handled one noble tax proposal. That doesn't mean I'm ready for anything excessive."
Saelira smiled in a way that immediately put me on edge. "Excessive? Oh, little one, we are merely ensuring your future success."
Verania sipped her wine, looking entirely too pleased. "Besides, the nobles must understand where they stand. A ruler should never let them get too comfortable."
Eryndor nodded approvingly. "A demonstration of authority is necessary from time to time."
