Kael ignored him.
Ariana swallowed her discomfort and reached for a piece of bread.
Hela's voice cut through the air, smooth but laced with venom. "Ariana, dear, do you always eat like a street rat? Such unrefined manners… no wonder you look so out of place."
Ariana stiffened.
Kael's fingers twitched on his knife.
Hela chuckled, sipping from his goblet and looked at Kael. "Forgive her My Lord. She was raised among commoners. It's a miracle she even knows how to hold a spoon properly."
Albert laughed, shaking his head. "It's truly unfortunate, isn't it? A noble in name only. Like a bird with clipped wings—pretty useless, don't you think?"
Ariana's grip tightened on her bread, her nails digging into the crust.
Baron Altross tilted her head, feigning concern. "It's quite a shame, really. If only someone had taken responsibility for her education. Then again, some people are simply born… lesser."
Ariana clenched her jaw, swallowing her rage.
