[Dawnspire Wing—Lavinia's Chamber—Later—LAVINIA'S POV]
The moment we reached my chambers, I collapsed dramatically into Osric's lap, sprawling as though the world itself had tried to murder me with boredom and gossip. Resting my head against the firmness of his thighs, I threw my arms up toward the painted ceiling and groaned, "Gosh… Papa was so right. All nobles are traitors, filthy liars, and cowards—every last one of them! I swear, the empire is one gigantic pigsty dressed in silk."
"Every last one?" Osric's voice was smooth, amused, and far too calm for my storm of frustration. He leaned down just enough to poke the tip of my nose with his finger. "Careful, Lavi. Don't forget… I'm a noble too."
I blinked up at him, caught red-handed. His eyes narrowed into that mock-suspicious squint, the kind that always made me feel like a child being scolded for stealing cookies.
