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Veremir's gaze followed my pointing finger to her and he seemed slightly startled. He glanced at Genise and clenched his fist, then managed a forced smile.
"So, that was the reason for your earlier remarks," he said. "I was unaware of the situation between the two of you. You have promised your future to Lord Sutton?"
Veremir tried to address Genise with concealed fear, but no response came from behind me.
"Um, the two of you… so, how long have you been seriously... um..."
He mustered more courage to speak again, but, like a deflated balloon, he shrank back upon making eye contact with Genise.
The air behind me seemed to heat up. If that cheerful and naive prince became so surprised like that, it was wise not to meet Genise's gaze at that moment.
I stiffened my neck and said to Veremir, "Their minds are set, so let's leave this matter here. The envoys from Riverdun should prepare to return now. We will hold a farewell banquet tomorrow afternoon."
