"And Emma didn't seem too enthusiastic about your arrival. I'd like to hear all sides of the story."
Mark's eyes narrowed slightly, his fork pausing mid-air. "Unsettling things?" he echoed, his voice carefully controlled. "What exactly have you heard, Your Highness?"
Bright leaned back in his chair, maintaining eye contact. "Just whispers, really. But enough to make me curious. I believe it's important to get a full picture, especially when it comes to family matters."
Mark forced a smile, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. "People love to gossip, especially when it involves someone close to the royal family. I'm sure it's all just misunderstandings."
"Perhaps," Bright agreed, nodding slowly. "But Emma's reaction was more than just a simple misunderstanding. She seemed... distressed. I can't ignore that."
Mark's smile faltered, his grip tightening on his fork.
