Betrayed by Blood
The air in the room was thick as Gerald walked forward, shoulders squared, unwilling to let himself be diminished in the presence of a man he despised.
King Alaric merely chuckled, setting his glass down with a soft clink. "Ah, still as defiant as ever. Some things never change." He gestured to the seat across from him. "Sit."
Gerald remained standing. His gaze flicked around the room, assessing. Guards stationed at the door. Silent attendants lining the walls. Every exit accounted for.
"You've gone through a lot of trouble to bring me here," he said coldly. "What do you want?"
Alaric exhaled, almost in disappointment. "Come now, is that any way to start a reunion? No pleasantries? No catching up?" He reached for the bottle of wine beside him, pouring himself another glass. "You've been exiled now, haven't you? Tsk, tsk, tsk. Tragedy strikes for a second time, it's truly..." Alaric paused, a mocking smirk on his lips. "-Sad."
