The massive doors had not opened, but Atheline already felt as though he was going into a battlefield but fully armed with words.
He was determined to establish some authority among them, even if it was just a small one.
Leaving a lasting impression on them would prove helpful in the future. Alliances aren't formed in a span of a few hours, but friendships or positive views can.
He was aiming for either of those.
Atheline wasn't there to please, she wouldn't like it if he did that anyway, and if anyone didn't like it then his wife would handle the rest.
The music from the banquet slipped through the cracks of the closed door and reached them as if welcoming them.
Atheline adjusted the cuff of his sleeve again a habit he had developed since he wore it.
He felt a tag on his right and he glanced at Lilith.
"Here, take this if you're nervous," she said quietly and offered him a small confectionery, rose-flavoured which was one of his favorites.
