“What, you think you should go first? You think you are better than me, fire royalty?” the old man spat. He backed away, bowing low at the waist. “Please, your highness, eat before me while I grovel at your feet.” A spatter of harsh laughter from others around the circle egged him on, Sephone loudest of all. Iris was frozen in place, hand white on the dipper handle. “Yes, fire royalty, ride in splendor, eat the best of our food . . . and burn us all to death in our sleep when you tire of us!”
So damn annoing and insufferable at this point....
