Having now witnessed that change with his own eyes, the Count found himself more certain than ever that Elara's betrothal to Kraven was the best decision. he could ever make. Strength like that, paired with such discipline, was rare. He intended to make the most of it.
But beside him, his wife's thoughts moved down an entirely different path.
Unlike her clearly impressed husband, the Countess held no such confidence. Yes, he had changed. She could acknowledge that much plainly enough; only a fool would deny what they had all just witnessed with their own eyes. But change on the surface meant little to her when compared against everything she still knew, or believed she knew, about the man underneath.
What if it was only his power that had changed, and nothing else? What if, buried beneath that newfound composure and control, the same cruelty still lingered?
If he had been capable of such behavior then, what would he do now that he possessed true strength and influence?
