"Traditionally, but not everyone abides by the tradition anymore. The royal family is rare in the way they fully abide by the bloodgiver traditions. More and more, the rest of the country is seeing us as glorified bodyguards and servants." He grimaced. "But I apologize, my lord, our troubles are not yours. This was meant to be a last night of pleasure for us, before Teia marries and we are separated."
Penli kissed him softly, then Teia. "Apologies aren't necessary. I assure you, I know what it's like to have family disregard your every want and need because they are so focused on their own. If not for the complications that brought me here, I would even now be married to a man I do not like and swept up in political games I detest. Come now, you both look tired, and I could use some rest
