The maid arrived quietly, head bowed, placing a crystal bottle of aged red wine and three glasses on a silver tray before vanishing just as silently.
Darius poured without a word, filling their glasses with the deep burgundy liquid. When he finally spoke, it was with the air of a man who knew exactly how much power each word carried.
"So," he said evenly, handing a glass to Evan first, then to Lyria, "tell me about your engagement."
Evan took the wine and smiled, looking to Lyria with affection, real or rehearsed, Darius couldn't yet tell. "It's still new, really. Only recently official. We wanted to tell you in person."
"Mm," Darius murmured, swirling the wine in his own glass. "And why her?"
Evan blinked, caught off-guard by the bluntness.
"She's... incredible. Strategic. Respected
