"He notices," Apsharathevi said mildly.
"He simply doesn't always consider it important."
She looked at Jake properly now, and her eyes were the kind of warm that didn't require anything in return.
"You're Asurani's new people. I heard about you when you arrived."
She smiled. "She must be very pleased. She's been patient for a long time."
"She seems pleased," Jake said, his voice steadier than he expected given that his chest was still recalibrating from the pressure.
"Thank you for the intervention."
"Vikram isn't malicious," Apsharathevi said, and it sounded like something she'd said before and meant.
"He's just very powerful and occasionally forgets that existing near him is an experience for others. He wouldn't have hurt you intentionally."
"Unintentionally would have been sufficient," Elise said dryly, color returning to her face.
The woman beside Apsharathevi made a sound that was nearly a laugh.
"She's right," she said to the goddess.
