Callista stood up. She smiled politely, giving a graceful curtsy.
"It is very good to meet you, My Lord," she said, her voice smooth and practiced.
Alaric blinked but kept his expression completely neutral. He gave a slight bow, acknowledging her greeting without committing to anything beyond basic courtesy.
"Good to meet you too."
Vanessia patted the empty space on the sofa next to her.
"Sit."
Alaric walked over and took a seat beside her, while maintaining awareness of the room's dynamics.
Two merchants. One merchant's daughter. All watching him with varying degrees of interest.
Mirelle leaned forward slightly. Her blue eyes studied him with the kind of assessment that made his skin prickle.
"Is this the young man you were telling me about, Vanessia?"
Vanessia nodded. "Yes. His name is Azra."
Mirelle's smile widened.
"He's indeed striking."
She shifted in her seat, a deliberate movement that made her dress's neckline dip lower, making her cleavage more visible.
