The entire court fell silent at those words, and dozens of disturbed expressions appeared across the faces of the assembled officials. The smile that never seemed to leave Damian's face made the atmosphere even more uncomfortable.
Some of them would have preferred to see him lose his temper. At least then they could tell themselves that his anger was temporary and directed only at the Kitsune official who had spoken out of turn. But Damian was not angry. He was smiling, and everyone who had spent enough time around him had learned that his calmest expressions were often the ones that preceded the worst consequences.
"Are you saying that a position in my court exclusively belongs to one clan?" Damian chuckled lightly.
The Kitsune official's face tightened, but he still cupped his fists and bowed respectfully, apparently believing that the traditions established during Lin Qui's reign gave him enough authority to defend his claim. "Yes, your highness!" he answered.
