Seraphina, who was on the verge of lashing out, restrained herself, her sharp gaze fixed on Aron. His blasphemous words—spoken without hesitation—were an affront to her, a princess of the very civilization he spoke of conquering.
Despite her exile by the Grand Xor’Vak, her loyalty to her civilization had not diminished. She still had her faction—loyal followers who supported her in her ambition to one day challenge the Grand Xor’Vak for leadership. Her pride in her heritage and people remained unshaken, and hearing Aron speak of taking over her civilization as if it were some trivial task stung deeply.
But Seraphina held her composure. The promise she had made to Aron—that she would hear him out—echoed in her mind. Her civilization’s culture valued keeping one’s word, seeing it as a testament to strength. Breaking her promise, even in the face of such provocative statements, would be a stain on her pride and character.