"I can't believe we're doing this," Hilda rebutted, approaching the throne room within the Palace of Stygian.
"Nonsense, " said Toval Newmanl, repositioning his glasses. He stopped, sliding an eye at the decor as beautiful as the gods themselves. "Lord Blackwood is without a doubt a talent that needs to be cultivated."
"He's a third Circle."
"So were you once upon a time. Did your government toss you to the wolves? Did they have you raped merely to conceive us a child of similar talent?" Toval smirked, looking at that incredulous face. "I assure you. If not for your family and the mere fact that we wanted to fully cultivate your talent. We might have."