She paused, her finger pointing directly and unapologetically at Heena. "...the new heiress of the Marquisate, showed us something good? Something truly entertaining for the court?"
A quiet rustle of murmurs broke out among the tables. The traditional noblewomen smirked behind their fans, fully expecting the "wild frontier girl" to embarrass herself, while the generals' faces darkened at the blatant attempt to treat a Marcuset heir like a mere court performer.
The Emperor tilted his head slightly. The heavy ruby crown caught the light as he stared at his daughter. It was entirely obvious he knew exactly what petty, political trap the Second Princess was trying to spring, but he chose not to stop it. Instead, his piercing gaze shifted slowly across the room, landing squarely on Heena.
"So," the Emperor spoke, his tone laced with heavy curiosity. "What do you say to that, Lady Seera?"
