Upon reaching the group, Minister Silas offered a wide, oily smile. "Welcome, Lord Damien, Lady Cece, and…?"
"Lord Edward Weaver, son of Marquess Victor Weaver from the Kingdom of Luminear," Edward introduced himself with the effortless poise of high nobility.
"Our very close friend," Damien interjected. His smile was a sharp, dangerous thing that didn't even pretend to reach his eyes as he pinned Silas with a look that promised a swift end to any disrespect.
"And my escort for tonight," Cece added sharply. Her cold gaze shifted from Silas to his daughter, making Ruby immediately avert her eyes from Edward the moment they collided with Cece's.
Silas caught the silent exchange and swallowed hard.
He cleared his throat, forcing a mask of hospitality over his features. "I see. A warm welcome to you, Lord Edward. I trust our humble estate will meet your….exacting standards this evening."
"Thank you," Edward replied simply with a polite but distant smile.
