30

As you shake his hand, Beaumont shrugs. "Is it?"

Close by, rooks caw on their way to roost. Pascal's expression is scandalized; he starts to say something, but Asher cuts him off.

"This is Their Highness Royal KLYMENE," she snaps.

Beaumont shakes back his long hair and fixes you with a hard stare. "Yes, I know," he says eventually.

Pascal turns to you, blocking Beaumont with his shoulder. "I am so sorry," he says quietly.