His voice was deep and warm, yet it was mildly unsettling, sending cold shivers down my spine.
Lucy made a curtsy, out of respect for him, but I could tell in her eyes, that she couldn't recognize her father... adopted father.
Fumiko made a curtsy as well, graceful and deliberate.
"Your grace," she said.
The King's gaze shifted to her. "Daughter of House Nara. It is rare for a noble of Tochiko to grace the cold plains of Erentha."
"The circumstances demand my presence here. I hope I am welcome."
"Of course," he gave a slight nod. Then he glanced at me.
I froze for a moment, then I bowed slightly, my heart thudding.
"Your grace."
An uneasy silence fell in the hall. King Jirel rose to his feet and walked over to me, his eyes scanning me all over, like I was a stranger.
After a long moment, he stretched out his arm. I swallowed, and took it in a firm handshake.
"Welcome, Stormborn," he said, a flicker of a smile appearing on his face.
"Thank you, your gra..."
