They passed over Olivia, the Duke, Liam, and the others.
Then they reached Julian.
They lingered for a moment before moving on.
"Comfort is easy enough to arrange," the Queen Mother said, turning toward Olivia. "Good company is a much rarer thing. So far, Astran has managed to provide us with both."
Olivia smiled politely.
"Your Highness is too generous. It is our honor to welcome you into our home."
"Your home has a pleasant atmosphere," the Queen Mother replied. "One can tell a great deal about a family by the way its members behave when they are gathered around a table."
"Then I hope we have given you a favorable impression."
"Of course." The Queen Mother reached for her teacup. "Though I have learned that first impressions are often the least reliable."
Her words were mild, and her smile remained pleasant.
Still, the Duke's expression grew slightly more attentive.
