Away from the offending party, Ireneve held her throat, willing away the heat building within. Of course, it made sense to him to make it a formal announcement. The fact that he had left out the crowd was honestly the most infuriating part.
As if she had ever needed his approval.
Even knowing he would someday take his father's role, to attempt to undo Edmont's efforts would be an asinine waste of time. It would weaken them both, in history and asset. So, it was obvious, was it not? He had to have forgiven her, regardless of his true feelings. The whole of Ishgard was well on its way to accepting her, ever more needless formalities in the wings.
Perhaps she had foolishly hoped, had thought she might be safe in the cocoon of Fortemps' walls.
He could have left it alone. He could have saved them both the annoyance. The obvious hesitance in him, the struggle. Oh, she knew exactly how he felt, and wasn't it entirely gentlemanly to let even enemies think what they might?
By the grace of Halone, she spotted Haurchefant as his head turned about a corner. Likely seeking her to apologize. She huffed a bit of anger from her lungs and summoned a wry smile.
"He does love to see me squirm, doesn't he?" She shook her head. "I will have to be better. He will surely not be the last, I know."
For all that Artoirel had ever said -- or neglected to say -- to him, Haurchefant rarely felt a rise of anger towards his brother. He understood the scandal, the betrayal their father had inflicted on his mother, the expectations placed upon his shoulders. Although he had always longed for a better connection with his family, Haurchefant understood the why of the mostly socially-imposed distance.
But for the first time, he was seeking out Haurchefant in earnest request for assistance: She looked furious with me. I don't understand the woman. You're the only one she ever seems to interact with peacefully.
That was not correct. Artoirel knew it, too. But there was no time to lecture him on how to speak to people.
"That was not his intent, Ireneve." Of course she had her assumptions. As calmly as she spoke, he could tell by her somewhat frenzied energy that she was livid. "Although I must admit, his was a piss poor attempt to ...reaassure you, I suppose the goal was?" He shook his head. "My brother excels in the carefully-constructed social circles of Ishgardian nobility. Anywhere else that requires him to consider others of different backgrounds is...well. A disaster, as you've experienced. But I assure you, he meant no ill-intent, despite the insult his words may have inflicted."
"Let us quit the manor for now. A stroll in the brisk night air would do you some good, I think."
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