Chapter 82

• Kael's fork hovered in the air for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he processed the maid's words. But then he paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.
• "Thalira?" he repeated, setting the fork down with a soft clink. "Hmm... send her in. I'll meet her in my office."
• He pushed back from the table, the chair scraping lightly against the floor. "I'll be back," he said to Morvienne, his voice even but firm. Morvienne looked up, curiosity in her eyes, but nodded without a word, picking up her spoon to continue with the last of her pudding.