Chapter 67. Pretense

"This is not exactly court behavior, Emperor," Chief Azriel of the Ojmo tribe in Alsayf said to Daegal as he returned the hug with as much energy.

When they disengaged, Daegal scoffed and patted Azriel's shoulders once. "Fuck the court."

Azriel threw his head back and laughed at the vulgar statement. "I see you have not changed much since our fighting days."

Daegal winced a bit as he remembered the bloodshed during the riots in Alsayf. Riots that were now stirring up again. He never liked battle but it seemed that battle liked and sought him out no matter how much he wanted to run.

Both Daegal and Azriel climbed up the dais and Azriel bowed to Nerina deeply.

"It is an honor to finally meet you, Empress Nerina. I must say that your beauty and elegance surpass the stories I have heard. You look like a vision of the creator," Azriel complimented, flashing his straight white teeth at Nerina in a charming grin.

Nerina returned it with a pleased smile of her o