I tensed slightly, recognising the probing for what it was. "They died when I was young. I don't remember much about them."
He nodded, moving closer under the pretence of helping. "Tragic. You have unusual eyes. Very... distinctive."
My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to continue working. "Thank you. I'm told I got them from my mother."
"Your mother," he repeated thoughtfully. "From the eastern territories, wasn't it? Interesting. The Northern Territories had a royal line once with similar eyes. Before they were wiped out, of course."
The threat was thinly veiled, his words carrying a weight that made my stomach knot. I needed to get away from him, but running would only confirm his suspicions.
"I wouldn't know anything about royal lines," I said, keeping my tone light. "Jus
