Sage offered a respectful nod, bypassing the deep bows Ilara had performed earlier. She respected royalty, sure, but she was here to work, not to grovel.
"Princess Valerie," Sage greeted, her tone professional.
Valerie's smile widened, warm and genuine as usual. "Dr. Stellan! Athea told us you'd arrived. Welcome to the capital."
Sage returned the smile, though her attention quickly shifted to the woman standing beside Valerie. She hadn't met her before, but the woman's presence was heavy, grounding the air around her.
"And this," Valerie said, gesturing lightly, "is my niece, Viora."
Viora simply inclined her head, a measured, controlled gesture that gave away absolutely nothing. "Dr. Stellan."
Her voice was cool. Not unfriendly, exactly, just… reserved. Like a door shut tight against the cold.
