Tavyna's eyes narrowed as she met the cold gaze that was leveled in her direction. She didn't like the way he looked at her, almost as if she were an annoying pest.
"I'm here to discuss trading between our lands. Surely you as shahzadi would participate in the proceedings later on as a member of the court? If you are merely interested in a perspective groom worthy of you, then I suppose I should apologize for disturbing your morning rest."
His cold voice sent a sharp chill down her spine and she had to bit down on her tongue just enough to keep the sharp retort from spilling from her lips. He was smug and had an air about him that said he thought of himself far higher than those in his presence right then. It was enough to drive her crazy. Beneath the table, she could feel Nassir's warm fingers curling around hers tightly. She was almost surprised by the grip. Something was bothering the djinni but in her current state, she couldn't ask him to find out what it was.
Once again, she wasn't sure if she should be happy that he wasn't interested in being her suitor, or if she should be angry by the fact that he'd just completely blown her off as if it were nothing. He was belittling her. Tavyna shook slightly with irritation. Then he turned, a cold smirk on his lips as he added to the conversation that she'd unwittingly started.
"My father did strongly suggest I discuss a possible joining of our land and power through a union. I suppose I could oblige him in persuing a potential marriage agreement."
Her lips grew into a thin line as she frowned, her teeth grinding slightly as she glowered at him without restraint, "I will profusely deny you. Forget the notion, Shahin Mirza. As for the negotiations for trade, my father is more than capable, but you can expect to see me there. Unless it displeases you," she coolly replied, her voice acidic as she responded without skipping a beat.
Turning her hand under the table, she interweaved her fingers around Nassir's. She hadn't missed Shahin's little glance right next to her shoulder. It unnerved her to no end to think that this man was more of a danger than Kevah would be. Her heart pounded hard as she squeezed his hand, trying to temper her own shaking. She was on high alert, her body trembling ever so slightly with the fear that perhaps Shahin knew that she possessed a djinni. How could he know that... how!! her thoughts were frantic while her face was stony with her usual cold demeanor.