Aldric was the first to speak, his voice carefully controlled as someone who had spent decades navigating political defeats. "Lady Luna, it seems I... misunderstood the situation. Of course, I'll be delighted to coordinate under your territorial authority."
Morgain clenched her fists, the gesture visible despite her attempts to maintain diplomatic composure, but nodded stiffly. "My soldiers will withdraw from your territory immediately."
The reversal was complete, but everyone present understood it was built on a foundation of force rather than genuine respect.
♢♢♢♢
"God," Luna murmured once they had moved away from the defeated nobles, "I hope I know what I'm doing, because now I'm officially known as a dual tamer without father's backing. If the other branch of my family decides to use this to their advantage..."
Larissa approached and placed a firm hand on Luna's shoulder, the gesture carrying weight beyond simple comfort. "Then we'll be there to face them too."
