"He wants to parade me before the Capital nobility to demonstrate his control. And, more importantly..."
Kaelus's violet eyes darkened, locking onto his daughter. "...he wants to officially meet you. The invitation specifically mandates the presence of the 'newly recognized Heir of the North'."
Alistair, having finally recovered a fraction of his composure, though completely forgetting to remove his pigtails, scrambled up from the floor, his emerald eyes lighting up with sudden, frantic, and desperate administrative salvation.
"The Palace Banquet?!" Alistair gasped, rushing to the desk, practically vibrating with excitement. "Your Grace! This is it! This is our crisis! This is the undeniable, objective proof!"
Kaelus raised an eyebrow, staring at his glittering aide. "Proof of what, Alistair?"
"Proof that the Young Lady is completely unprepared for Capital society!" Alistair declared, pointing a dramatic, accusing finger at Seraphina, who immediately blew him with a raspberry.
