Meanwhile, when the moment finally presented itself, Bener lightly touched his father's arm and guided him through the gathering. Together, they approached Duke Kassius and his family.
Bener lifted his goblet in greeting, though his eyes betrayed him—sliding, just for a heartbeat, toward Shaya. She was already watching him. Their gazes met, unbidden.
The world seemed to narrow to that single point of connection. Her breath caught, her fingers tightening around the stem of her goblet as their eyes met. A heartbeat passed, then another, before Shaya forced herself to look away, cheeks faintly flushed.
"Allow me to offer a toast, Your Grace," Bener said, though his voice carried a subtle tension. He inclined his head in a respectful bow. "To Duke Kassius."
Kassius studied him openly, his sharp eyes lingering on the general's finely wrought armor—battle-worn yet meticulously adorned. This was no ordinary officer. "And who might you be?" he asked, voice cool, probing.
