"My feelings toward anyone are none of your business, Archbishop," Sylrith spat the words like they were venom. "Do you truly wish to make an enemy out of my kingdom—or even me?"
"My church has no enemies," the Archbishop said with a smile. "But we cannot let anyone throw their weight around and threaten us, can we?"
"Eldrin did."
The Archbishop looked like he was slapped in the face. His eyes glared at the princess as all façade had been shed aside. The two of them locked gazes, understanding that this could be the beginning of a troubled relationship.
"Is that who you aspire to be?" asked Lucien. "A madman who wields power that no one dares to question? What about grace and morals? What would happen to the world if every Maximus did as they liked?"