Luna Phoebe caught the subtle warning in her future stepdaughter's words. Elizabeth was cautioning Buck against underestimating the Frost heir, a courtesy that revealed more about her character than perhaps she intended.
"The northern style would complement your training well," Phoebe suggested to her sons. "Perhaps you might observe more than participate in this first encounter."
Buck's disappointment was visible, though he tried to mask it. "As you wish, Mother."
King Alexander nodded approvingly at Phoebe's diplomatic handling of her son's enthusiasm. "Wisdom often begins with observation," he stated. "There will be many opportunities to demonstrate Thunder Peak's strengths in the coming months."
The promise of future opportunities mollified Buck somewhat. He returned to his meal, t
