Olivio pushed himself off against the tree and gave them a formal bow. “Greetings, my dear old friend, Asten, and mistress Jelene. It is a wonderful evening, is it not?”
Jelene sniffed and said, “I had thought you would be too occupied with ensuring your father doesn’t screw up tomorrow to enjoy such mundane pleasures, master Olivio.”
Olivio’s face barely twitched, as he gave Asten’s companion his most affectatious smile. “I can assure you that everything is in order,” he said, his tone stiff.
“I’m sure you think so,” Jelene said, rolling her eyes, “And yet I put very little stock in the abilities of the Marn thugs.”
“Let’s not get caught up in petty rivalries,” Asten said, stepping in between the two, who had both subtlety moved closer to square off against one another. “I doubt maste
