Shady

Rana clamped her mouth shut and stormed up the stairs after him, fuming. Lia bewilderedly followed behind.

“Embarrassed you ?” She hissed, squirming in his grasp as his fingers dug into her flesh. “What about you? You said you wanted an alliance, not to pawn me off ...

Rana’s face was still burning and she wouldn’t have slowed down if they’d been home, but she realized she didn’t actually have any idea where she was going. She petulantly ...

(Awww come on now Arianna she’s just a baby lol) Lia offered an awkward wave to Ewan and Maxwell, then trotted after her father.

“You as well, ma’am.” Rana didn’t look up as she stood, so she didn’t notice the offer of a handshake. Instead, she offered a rushed curtsy and hurried out of ...

Rana was mortified. Her face flushed a deep crimson and for the first time in her life she wished she had her face powdered so it’d be less obvious. Or, ...

Lia bit back a sigh when it became clear that they weren’t going to be allowed to go, and quietly went back to picking at her plate. Rana froze at ...

Rana and Lia's heads both immediately snapped to their father. Was that an option? They could go? They desperately hoped he'd let them and shifted anxiously waiting to see if ...

Conurbation is a bustling metropolis known for being the most divisive city on the continent. Neighboring countries won't touch them with a 10-foot pole and they've become a rather insular ...

Rana offered a polite smile and then started in on her food in earnest. She didn’t like the lichen bread but managed to eat it without wrinkling her nose, then ...

Rana didn’t know whether to be disappointed or relieved. She’d wanted to eavesdrop but also the mention of rest made her realize just how tired and weary to her bones ...

Rana perked up at that, listening intently though she tried to pretend she was focused on picking at her plate.

Rana glanced at her and hesitated, then dipped her head. How did one even go about answering that?

"I've heard he's very intelligent," Rana offered. "I'm sure it'd be a privilege to study under him, if he has the time."

Rana nodded. "That makes sense." She glanced over at Father. That seemed like a great segue, right? Connections in the East? Wasn't that their express purpose in being here? Would ...