I kept my expression carefully composed, though the sight of Elara's knowing smile sent a cold current down my spine the same woman who, in another life, had handed me the cup that ended everything, standing there now with the exact same practiced innocence stitched across her face.
"Stepmother." I inclined my head with the minimal courtesy protocol demanded, nothing more. "Your concern is noted."
"Noted, but not believed?" Cassandra's smile thinned at the edges, though she recovered quickly, smoothing her expression back into performed warmth. "You wound me, Arwen. I've prayed for your safe return since the moment word reached the palace."
"I'm certain you have." I let just enough dryness color the words to make my skepticism plain without crossing into open accusation, a careful line
