The shatter of the teacup was still echoing off the hall's high ceiling when Roland realized he was holding his breath.
In the center of the room, Aurelia stood frozen, her hands still hovering in the air like someone who had just lost whatever she was holding. At her feet, porcelain shards were scattered across the stone floor, the spilled tea releasing thin wisps of steam. Two maids were already rushing over with a broom and cloth. Grimm stood two paces behind Roland, his expression entirely unchanged, as if shattering teacups was simply a part of the daily itinerary.
"Mom," Roland repeated softly, his fingers still wrapped around Seraphina's rapidly cooling hand. "Please, don't scream just yet."
