"Hello, father," Xara gave a dry greeting.
Lusha couldn't bear to open his mouth. He started at his daughter with guilt-ridden eyes. Several times he moved his lips to say something and several times the words got stuck in his throat. His deputy placed a hand on his shoulder which helped him calm down but by that point, Xara was already on the other side of the room greeting the other generals.
His eyes followed the young woman as she gracefully waived throughout the crowd gaining the respect and admiration of all his peers. He had to swallow his regret down like a bitter pill. Gin and Verra entered the room hand in hand.
Their presence caused an uproar as all idle conversations ended abruptly and everyone found their seats. Verra took her seat at the head while Gin and Xara sat to her left and right around a large circular table. The other generals sat wherever they pleased as there was no hierarchy between them.
