"You heard the young lady."
His voice was dangerously calm.
"Her olfactory senses are highly refined."
Genevieve swallowed.
"I suggest you bathe before interacting with her again."
Her eyes widened.
"And if you attempt to interrogate my daughter under the guise of playtime, Lady Genevieve..."
Kaelus's violet eyes became glacial.
"I will have the Vanguard escort you back to the Empress in a very small box."
The room became silent.
Even Ignis peeked out from behind the chaise lounge.
Genevieve's face went white.
"Y-Yes, Your Grace. I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...!"
She hurried to her feet.
"M-My apologies!"
She curtsied so quickly that she nearly lost her balance.
"I shall attend to the laundry!"
Then she fled.
Her heels clicked rapidly down the corridor.
Click-click-click-click-click.
Seraphina watched her disappear.
Then she turned toward Kaelus.
"Papa?"
"Hm?"
"Can I have another tart?"
Kaelus stared at her.
"No."
Seraphina's mouth fell open.
"But—"
