Seliora turned slightly, tossing him a sidelong glance over her shoulder. "Awkward questions," she said, smoothing a gloved hand over her hip with practiced elegance. "Questions about whether I've been replaced."
Damien chuckled softly, but the laughter didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll see you at home… sometime," she added.
"Seliora?" he called after her, and she paused, mid-step.
"Uhn?" She turned back to him, brows arched in question, playing the perfect image of calm detachment.
"I know this hurts you," Damien said. There was no condescension in his tone, just quiet honesty. "You shouldn't pretend."
There was a heartbeat of silence between them. Her eyes shimmered slightly under the lights of the grand hall. "I am a big girl," she said finally, the edge in her voice returning. "As long as my place is still defined, your highness, I have no problems."
