"A guard is just a servant, Seera," the Marchioness pressed, her eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "A Marquis's daughter cannot be escorted through high society by a nameless sellsword. It lacks dignity. Kavien is an adopted son of this house; his presence establishes your status."
"His presence establishes nothing but your own poor taste," the grandmother cut in smoothly, her voice dripping with absolute disdain as she wiped her mouth with a silk napkin. She stood up, leaning heavily on her walking stick as Heena instantly rose to support her elbow. "The guard stays. The parasite stays out of my sight. If I see this boy hovering around my granddaughter's courtyard today, I will have the knights throw him out of the front gates myself."
The Marchioness stood up as well, her head bowing slightly, but her eyes remained locked on Heena's face. "As you wish, Mother."
