Just as Islinda was about to retch into the very cup she had drunk from, Zal'therak's deep laughter filled the room.
He pointed at her, his eyes alight with mirth. "You should see your face!" he exclaimed, his voice ringing with genuine amusement. "You actually believed me!"
Islinda froze, her gagging interrupted by her disbelief. Slowly, she straightened, her face contorted with a mix of mortification and fury. "You're joking?" she demanded, her voice rising.
Zal'therak wiped at his eyes, as if brushing away tears of laughter. "Of course I'm joking," he said, his smirk widening. "Did you really think I would serve my esteemed guest something so revolting? Truly, Islinda, I expected more from you."