The palanquin came to a halt in the grand courtyard of the Whittemore Estate's Courtyard, and the carriers lowered it gently. Lord Marius stepped out with a weary sigh, his expression set in stone. He was not in the mood for pleasantries or the theatrics his daughter often favored. Yet, as if summoned by his very thoughts, Lady Viviana appeared out of nowhere, her crimson gown swishing dramatically as she hurried to meet him.
"Father," she called, her voice sharp with irritation. "Where is Orion? Why didn't he come back with you?"
Lord Marius tightened his grip on his cane, his patience already worn thin. "Orion is a grown man, Viviana," he said curtly. "He can make his own decisions. He has chosen to stay by his brother's side, and I will not force him to return."
Viviana's lips thinned, and her eyes flashed with anger. "Elian is not his brother, Father," she snapped. "Stop calling him that."
