Ryu stared back, both of them disregarding the rules of etiquette that forbade such open animosity in the Throne Room.
Well, if he couldn’t trounce Azuma with his magic, Ryu would need to resort to the next weapon in his arsenal, and one that his Uncle Erlan favored: diplomacy.
“Ah, Lord Sanada, how delightful to see you both,” Ryu said, making sure his face remained neutral. “Yourimpeccablemanners always bring a certain charm to any occasion.”
Azuma glared. “And who better to expound on manners than the esteemed Lord Ogumi, ever the epitome of grace and sophistication. How fortunate we are to bask in your presence.”
A tight smile stretched Ryu’s lips. “The pleasure is all mine, Lord Sanada. I do hope my mere existence doesn’t cast too much shadow upon yourillustriousfamily.”
At this, Lord Isamu broke into the conversation, chuckling condescendingly. “Oh, not at all, dear Lord Ogumi. We simply find it fascinating how your...uniqueheritage seems to influence your decisions.”
Ryu raised an eyebrow in enquiry. “It seems my efforts to forge diplomatic ties with our neighboring kingdoms, fosteringpeace and prosperity, are of great concern to you.”
Azuma smiled. “Oh, of course not, Lord Ogumi. How could we possibly criticise your desire to bringhumansinto our sacred realm? A union of the pure and the…well, less so.”
Ryu inhaled deeply, as he struggled to speak from behind his gritted teeth. “The Twilight Court has always embraced progress and understanding. It’s a pity thatsomestruggle to see beyond their own prejudices.”
At this, Azuma’s father broke into the conversation. Lord Isamu smirked. “Ah, the idealism of youth. Tell me, Lord Ogumi, do you truly believe these feeble alliances will bring anything but trouble to our realm?”
Ryu frowned, while around them, the other courtiers slowly grew silent, listening to his conversation with the Sanadas.
“Feeble alliances?” Ryu scoffed. “The human kingdoms have much to offer, and by establishing trade and cooperation, we can ensure a prosperous future for all.”
Azuma smiled mockingly, though his voice remained soft spoken, and polite. “Prosperous indeed, for your human friends, I’m sure. It’s remarkable how your devotion to their cause blinds you to the potential risks and threats they bring.” He looked around, as if just noticing their audience, but Ryu knew it was all a performance. “We all remember theingratitudeof humans. How they drove out our ancestors who only sought to better their lives.”
“Who only sought tocolonizethem,” Ryu retorted, but it was lost in the general murmur of agreement from some of the courtiers who surrounded them.
With dismay, Ryu realized that he had been neatly maneuvered by the Sanadas so that they were surrounded by the hardline conservative lords in his father’s court, the ones who favored isolationism and still instinctively distrusted humans.
Still, he had to try. Ryu took a breath and projected his voice as far as it would go.
“My vision extends beyond narrow-mindedness and prejudice. If the Elves are to continue to thrive as we have all these aeons past, we must build connections with the world around us. That includes the human kingdoms.”
Azuma smiled. “Such noble ideals, Lord Ogumi. But remember, actions speak louder than words. Your inability to defend our traditions and honor proves the hollowness of your rhetoric.”
Unable to muster up a suitable retort, Ryu seethed inwardly, frustrated by Azuma’s cutting words. His hands formed into fists, and he could almost imagine the feeling of his claws sinking into Azuma’s throat. He could feel his claws lengthening as his temper frayed, digging into his skin.
Azuma stared back, clearly enjoying Ryu’s discomfort.
A resounding gong broke their stares, announcing the arrival of the Twilight Prince. Everyone present in the Throne Room dipped into a bow, and when Ryu looked up, he met his father’s gaze, who dropped him a brief but warm smile in greeting.
“This session of the Twilight Court is now called to commence.”
The Sanadas glided to the front of the throne room, where the elder Sanada took his place next to the throne, among the other courtiers. Azuma stood at his father’s side, the picture of the devoted son.
Ryu took a few deep breaths, willing his rage to subside. As the courtiers stepped forward one after another, speaking to Ryu’s father about issues both trivial and significant, his temper cooled, and he found his attention wandering to another, more pressing matter.
Though he knew he must heed the court—how could he prove that he would be a good ruler if he couldn’t even pay attention in court?—Ryu found it increasingly difficult to stay focused.
His stomach felt like it was on fire.
Ryu nearly cursed, swallowing hard against the nausea bubbling up his throat.
Which was strange, because he hadn’t eaten anything that would make him feel this way.
It couldn’t be nerves, he wasn’t particularly nervous about the lords and ladies around him, he’d attended his father’s court before.
He shouldn’t be feeling like he wanted to throw up, but he was fighting to keep his nausea under control and his head from spinning.
