The Rose Garden was too... perfect.
Every flower bloomed at exactly the right angle. The hedges had been trimmed into geometric patterns that probably cost more to maintain than Aegis's entire village made in a year. Even the butterflies felt like they were moving on cue, in choreographed moves.
Talia sat on a marble bench, spine rigid, hands folded in her lap. She'd changed into formal wear, a black dress with silver embroidery that made her look older, colder.
"Stop staring," she said without looking at Aegis.
"I'm not staring."
"You've been staring at me for five minutes. It's embarrassing."
"I'm observing. There's a difference."
"Why are you observing, then?"
"Because..." Aegis's eyes narrowed. "I feel like some fuckery is going to happen today."
"Commoners and your crass language..." Talia's jaw tightened. "My mother will be here soon."
"Oh. Well, that's great. Love a good ambush."
