"From the south, huh?" Emma said, resting her chin lightly against her palm as she looked at William. The two of them sat across from each other in the elite region of the common hall, a space reserved exclusively for council members—and for one very specific exception.
William.
His seat here had not been granted by title or favor, but by strength. By defeating Gizel.
William nodded once, expression relaxed. "Yes. Why?"
Emma exhaled softly, her gaze drifting toward the tall windows lining the hall. "They're… quite the people," she said after a moment. "I haven't met them personally, but I've heard enough. Proud to the point of arrogance. They belittle anyone who doesn't share their customs and look at outsiders with open disdain."
William let out a short laugh. "Sounds like the usual brats we deal with."
