Chapter 25 A Tangled Web

• "You must not exhibit such behavior here, Azura Ashrak. It is the king who decides whom to choose," Alaric sternly spoke, directing his gaze at his daughter. He then turned to regard the king, offering him a respectful bow. "Long live the king. I apologize for my daughter's inappropriate actions, and I assure you that she will be disciplined accordingly."
• As Alaric uttered each word, his face grew increasingly tense. Blade couldn't help but smile wickedly, finding amusement in the fact that the senior elder intended to punish his own daughter. He had not anticipated such a display of kindness and deference towards him. On the contrary, he'd expected Alaric to complain about the near-death experience his only daughter had faced.
• "What punishment do you have in mind?" Blade inquired. "Your daughter is attempting to claim a position that does not belong to her in the slightest, and she must be sufficiently disciplined. What is your plan for punishing her after she has called the vampire king such deplorable names - names that are unfit for my nature and crown?"