Joseph III's face was purple with suppressed rage. Lady Josephine looked like she might collapse. But neither of them argued further. They turned, walking back with rigid dignity that couldn't hide the fact they'd been utterly, completely defeated.
Aurelius watched them go, his expression never changing from that calm, honey-smooth neutrality.
When the throne room doors closed behind the Merediths, King Eric chuckled. "You enjoyed that."
"Immensely," Aurelius agreed. "Watching entitled nobility learn they're actually powerless never gets old."
"Think they'll try something stupid?"
"Probably," Aurelius said. "Wounded pride makes people reckless. But that's not our problem. If House Meredith wants to commit suicide by challenging House Kaiser, we'll have excellent seats to watch the show."
King Eric's smile widened. "Send Lyra to Duke Alaric. Let him know the Merediths are on their way home. Let him decide if the lesson needs reinforcing."
