Jax approached the elven royals with a pleasant smile plastered across his face.
King Oakryn was already staring at him. His eyes contained pure venom. Poison that could kill a lesser man with a single glance.
Beside him, Aeliana wore a similar expression. She was cursing internally, her disgust barely concealed behind a thin mask of noble composure.
But Tia and Ilythra?
They were happy to see him approaching. Though inside, Tia was terrified. Her heart raced with the fear of something.
Jax stopped before them and bowed with practiced elegance.
"It's a pleasure to meet you again on this special occasion. I hope everything was fine, from your travels to your stay here?"
King Oakryn spoke first. "Professor."
His voice dripped with barely contained hostility. "I'm surprised you dare approach us."
Jax maintained his innocent smile. "Why wouldn't I, Your Majesty? We're all friends here."
"Friends?" The word came out like venom. As if the very syllables burned his tongue.
