Vivi steps forward readily but Niall hangs back, leaning hard against Auden’s leg. A fond smile flashes across Auden’s face as he begins to move forward, nudging Niall to go along with him. Mahl sees Niall’s reticence too and, luckily, turns his attention to Vivi first.
“Well?” Mahl says, looking the girl over from head to toe. “And who are you?”
“I’m Vivianna,” Vivi says, staring straight at Mahl as if he’s a little stupid. I laugh inwardly because I can almost read her mind - she knows that the King knows her name; she just heard him announce it to the whole court.
Mahl chuckles, perhaps realizing this as well. “Well, Vivianna,” he continues, “I am very glad to meet you.”
“He told me you are going to be my grandfather,” Vivi says, lifting her chin towards Auden. I bite my lip to keep
