He settled into the chair across from her with practiced ease, Kael taking position to his left in his simpler traveling jacket—the son deferring to the father's authority. Both men took small portions from the offerings—protocol, not hunger.
Elara looked at the elder Verin directly. "Shall we discuss the collaboration?"
A slight smile crossed his face as he set down a pastry untouched. "It seems Your Highness is confident her product will be successful."
"I made it myself. Of course I'm confident it works correctly." Her tone was flat, factual. "Am I wrong?"
"Not at all, Your Highness. The preservation anchor performed exactly as promised. Quite impressive, actually." He picked up his wine glass, took a measured sip. "However, I do have concerns about the contract terms."
Elara's expression didn't change. "What concerns?"
