Raayani's voice cut through before Cleora could respond, cold as winter steel.
"Careful, boy. Insults spoken in public have a way of following people throughout their lives. I suggest you consider whether making enemies today is worth the consequences tomorrow."
Something in her tone made Varnik hesitate. Everyone in the empire knew the Blue Rose Matriarch's reputation. She was not someone to cross lightly.
The group continued to the carriages without further interruption. Milan's personal carriage was larger and more ornate, marked with the imperial crest.
He gestured to it.
"We'll all go to my villa in the nobles' sector. We can speak more freely there, and it's safer than trying to find accommodations with half the city watching your every move."
They loaded into the carriages, and soon the wheels were rolling across the cobblestones of Cahns'ar.
Jolthar sat back, watching the city pass by through the window.
