Conversations that had been focused on assessing marriage candidates and political opportunities suddenly shifted as guests recognized a new avenue for influence.
If direct approaches to Grim proved challenging, perhaps securing the favor of his father might provide alternative pathways to alliance.
Grim watched from across the hall as various nobles began gravitating toward the figure wearing his father's face.
Malaxis played his role perfectly, accepted their handshakes willingly. To all observers, this was simply a beloved patriarch being welcomed back into the social circles.
"Lord Rowan," Duke Edmund Ravencrest was the first to approach, his weathered face showing genuine pleasure at the reunion. "It's been far too long. When word reached us that you had vanished twelve years ago, many of us feared the worst."
