"Congratulations on the victory, First Prince."
The voice pulled Cassian out of his thoughts, and as he turned, he immediately recognised the speaker. Alaric, the newly titled Western Marquess, stood before him, his posture straight and his eyes sharp.
The man's tone carried the courtesy expected of nobility, but it was devoid of any warmth.
Instead, his gaze was cold and unkind even though he wore a neutral expression.
Cassian's piercing blue eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Alaric. He knew well enough that this man never liked him, but it was rare for Alaric to make his disdain so apparent... That too in public no less.
"Thank you," Cassian replied coolly, his voice as calm as he could manage. He was already calculating how Alaric would be an obstacle.
"I hear your wedding will be held soon..."