A prince's ransom(1)

As the negotiations came to finally start, Sorza was led toward the door by one of the guards. His gaze, however, never left Alpheo. The simmering resentment in Sorza's eyes was unmistakable—a deep, festering anger at the man. Alpheo, standing relaxed by Jasmine's side, met Sorza's stare without flinching.

Rather than showing any sign of discomfort, he offered a small, infuriating smile. It was calm, almost amused, as if the whole situation was nothing more than a game to him. 

As Sorza stepped out of the room, the door closing softly behind him, everybody stopped as they stared at the young man in question

Jasmine sighed deeply, her patience clearly thinning. "I apologize for his behavior, Sir Marwoit," she said, casting a frustrated glance at Alpheo. "He can be… blunt, but I assure you he means no disrespect."