While Lady Cerys was still processing Ollie's explanation about immortal rulers and the irrelevance of heirs, Lady Esme leaned forward from her place at the far end of the table, her brow furrowed with worry.
"Sir Ollie," Esme said hesitantly, her voice carrying a note of genuine concern that made her husband, Sir Bedwyr, turn to look at her in surprise. "I've heard stories about the dem, er, the Eldritch Lady of the Vale. They say she... that she seduces young maidens, bewitching their minds so that she can drain their blood to keep her eternal youth."
Esme's cheeks flushed pink as she spoke, clearly embarrassed to be voicing such concerns in front of everyone, but she pressed on anyway.
