Alaric slipped his hand into his pocket and began making his way toward the area where servants were gracefully dispensing wine from crystal decanters.
Before he could reach his destination, a middle-aged man with an overly eager smile intercepted his path.
His eyes had clearly caught sight of the insignia embroidered on Alaric's doublet, and recognized immediately.
"Ah, young lord! You must be the new heir of House Glimor," the man said with practiced charm.
Alaric paused and turned toward him with visible reluctance.
"Yeah," he replied, his tone flat, making it clear he wasn't in the mood for lengthy political discourse.
Despite undeterred by the less-than-warm reception, the man still pressed forward with the determination.
"Well, I heard about your remarkable performance for one so young! Actually, you see, I have a daughter. She's extraordinarily beautiful and accomplished in all the refined arts. Perhaps we might discuss—"
But before the man could complete his sentence.
