"Look at this! If you agree to remain in the Obsidian Gate permanently, I am prepared to offer you the title of Honorary Warden of the Flame! This comes with an annual stipend of fifty thousand gold pieces, a personal guard of twenty elite fire mages, and—"
He paused for dramatic effect, leaning in close, his amber eyes burning with manic enthusiasm.
"—your very own, personally registered volcano!"
Seraphina stopped chewing her pastry. She looked at the parchment, then at the warlord offering her geological landmarks as if they were candy.
Her mind, accustomed to the absurdity of the Archdukes by now, failed to suppress a bright, bubbly giggle.
'He is trying to bribe me with a volcano,' Seraphina thought, highly amused. 'Papa Duke bought me a stuffed bear, and Uncle Leo is countering with tectonic instability. The inflation rate on my affection is skyrocketing.'
