The Emperor's Substitute Bride
Azriel swore and slammed his blade into the dirt floor right when Naomi turned and met the grinning face of Lolo Meriana who stopped clapping and sank into a deep curtsy, only rising when Naomi gave her an answering nod.
"I am glad that my brother extends his competitive streak towards women as well," Lolo Meriana said with a giggle.
"Please, sister. I do not discriminate." Azriel raised his hands in surrender.
Rolling her eyes, Naomi wiped the sweat off her forehead with the back of her hand and smiled softly. "How are you, Lolo Meriana?"
Meriana stepped forward and held Naomi's free, gloved hand. "Please, you must call me Meriana. Titles make me feel very old and give this sense of duty an