Kai
"What now?" she repeated, her voice rising with indignation. "You just gave the most lackluster welcome performance I've ever witnessed! That poor girl traveled hundreds of miles to meet you, and you treated her like she was a tax collector!"
"I was polite," I replied evenly. "I followed proper protocol."
"Protocol?" my mother sputtered. "This isn't a business transaction, Kai! This is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with potential allies!"
Beside me, Celeste cleared her throat quietly. "Mother, perhaps we could discuss this later? The delegation might hear raised voices."
Our mother turned her glare toward Celeste. "And you! Daniel seemed charming and interested, and you acted like he was carrying a contagious disease!"
"I was polite too," Celeste replied with t
