After the exchange of formal greetings, so annoyingly ritualistic and cold, Ren took her place beside Kai. Her gaze wandered briefly over the long table where they were expected to dine. They set the table with ornate silverware, crystal goblets, plates gilded with ancient runes… and seated across them, two Fae women who hadn't stopped staring at her.
Concubines, she realized. Their beauty was sculpted to flawlessness, but their eyes held nothing but smug curiosity, like she was a rare animal brought in for show.
Discomfort prickled beneath her skin, and she immediately linked her thoughts to Kai.
"This is stupidly awkward. He came to greet us with his concubines."
Kai's amused voice echoed in her mind.
"It's nothing compared to how boring he can be."
Ren stifled a snort, lifting her goblet only to hide her expression. Gods, this realm was exhausting.
