Elreth's grip was like iron as she all but dragged Khione through the manicured gardens, away from the main house and toward a secluded pavilion draped in flowering vines. The moment they were under its shaded roof, Khione wrenched her arm free, her ice-blue eyes flashing with cold fury.
"What do you want, Elreth?" she demanded, her voice as sharp and brittle as breaking glass. Whatever this arrogant princess was about to say, she was certain she wouldn't like it.
The princess simply smiled, a slow, confident curve of her lips that only heightened the tension. She seemed to thrive on Khione's hostility. As if on cue, two maids scurried into the pavilion, setting down a tray of delicate pastries and a pot of tea before bowing and retreating quickly, sensing the dangerous atmosphere.
"Can't two childhood friends have a conversation?" Elreth asked, her tone lightly mocking as she poured herself a cup of tea, completely at ease.
"We are not friends," Khione stated flatly.
