“So, cousin… tell me. What exactly brings you to my territory uninvited, speaking with my subjects behind closed doors?”
Thas licked his lips, keeping his tone as smooth as possible.
“Plus, I came to offer and show my support, of course. Transitioning into your new role must be… difficult. I thought you could use the help of someone who knows court politics well.”
River's lips curled into a small, unreadable smile. Her eyes never left Thas.
“How generous,” she murmured.
Thas glanced at her, but Heiko was already stepping between them subtly, protective and territorial. There was a flicker of something feral in his posture.
“You’ll forgive me, cousin,” Heiko said, “if I find your sudden goodwill… suspicious. Considering how quickly you abandoned me when the Court moved against me. Or
