Rhaelynn's scoff hung in the air like an open challenge.
"Spoken like someone who understands deception well."
Soren's head snapped toward her. "That was uncalled for."
"Was it?" Rhaelynn countered coolly. "We are speaking of impressions, are we not?"
Aurelia merely lifted her teacup, unhurried, her movements precise. She took a slow sip before answering, her tone mild enough to pass for politeness.
"Deception," she said softly, "is rarely the talent of the honest. It is perfected by those who have lived long enough hiding behind borrowed titles, am sure lady Dayne understans such talent more than me."
Rhaelynn's jaw tightened.
