King Alexander observed the interaction with measured interest. His daughter had always possessed a keen eye for matching people to appropriate challenges, a skill that would serve her well as queen. It pleased him to see her applying this talent to the Talley twins, even if her approach remained cautiously distant.
"The training will benefit all parties," he declared, effectively ending any further debate. "And perhaps, in time, joint sessions might prove valuable."
Elizabeth shot her father a quick glance, recognising his subtle maneuvering. Joint training sessions would force more interaction between her and the twins, exactly what she had hoped to avoid by maintaining her anonymity at school. The King met her gaze steadily, his expression kind but unyielding. Message received: she wo
