"Oh please," Tirel said, flicking her long hair over her shoulder. "If the palace wanted him gone, he wouldn't be strolling through the gates right now. He looks fine to me. More than fine, actually."
Her gaze lingered on him in a way that made Elise bristle. Tirel leaned closer, her smile widening. "So, Jae, surrounded by royals and pretty maids, did they spoil you, or were you the one doing the spoiling?"
Elise's cheeks burned pink. "That's not funny! He could've been in real danger. You're treating this like some joke."
"Relax," Tirel teased, though her tone had an edge of delight at how easily she could fluster Elise. "He's standing right here, isn't he?"
Jae chuckled, sliding into his usual calm demeanor. "Jealous, Tirel?" he asked, his smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
