Theite nodded in agreement. “We must trust in His Majesty’s wisdom, as he has given Prince Jarryn asylum.”
“Yes, well, I’m sure we can all agree that the king has a weakness for lost and broken things.”
Leander was well prepared for a shameless dig at hispresence in the city, and he found that he wasn’t the least bit insulted. Disappointed, yes, but not insulted. He smiled as others in the group shared uncomfortable glances between themselves but said nothing to defend his own honour.
Alwyn continued to speak. “You all think that Desanne’s disgraced crown prince is worth the lives of all who will be called up to defend their home when the new King Nevari sends his well-armed and well-blooded army across and into our lands? For the sake ofone man? You would see our beloved Saeren torn apart because you place value on a pariah?”
When Alwyn spoke, there was far too much vitriol, the precise way the words left his mouth, and the frigid way in which he held himself. Leander was under no false illusions as to his inner nature.
“Thank you, it is a delight to hear the opinions of someone with a barely large enough brain to coordinate standing up and talking at the same time,” Theite drawled before taking a sip from his wine flute.
But Alwyn wasn’t done yet. He continued as if Theite hadn’t spoken. “This nation is one of progressive enlightenment. We have not remained intact because of thoughtlessness and rash decision-making. By his very decision to protect that criminal, the king has doomed us all.”
“Yes,” Leander commented calmly. “But I think it’s safe to assume that the king does not count you among his counsellors.”
“From what I understand, even though you are Lord Talius’ son, you will know even less than me. When I want directions to the nearest brothel, I will ask for your help.”
Leander’s lips curled into a humourless smile. “Oh, I could quite easily give you more direction in life than just that, I’m sure. In a manner that would likely astound you because I do, indeed, know more about this world than you give me credit for.”
Lord Alwyn opened his mouth, no doubt ready with a quip to retort back, but Leander continued to charge forward with his own rebuttal.
“However, I fear such an endeavour would be a waste of precious breath. It is clear to me that you have formed certain opinions about many of us here tonight, but it is also quite evident that you should not be blamed for your dogmatic perspective.”
“You—”
“It seems you might have the capital for an excellent education, yet you have yet to develop independent thinking. Not everyone can waltz into a room as grand as this one and hold their own when they have more money than aptitude.” Leander’s tone was soft, but his gaze remained cold and sharp. Alwyn had hit a nerve and Leander’s tolerance for ignorance was low at the best of times.
Whilst his utterance was not particularly diplomatic for such a formal event, it was polished and cultivated. In present company, Leander did not mind, he always had the feeling that certain aristocrats needed to be taken down a peg. Or five.
Theite took another sip of his drink. “As much as I have enjoyed this battle of wits,” he interjected quietly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, “it is not... charitable for one to spar with a man so poorly armed.”
Without warning, he reached over to take Leander’sdrink from his hand. Stepping back, he placed them on a table before offering his hand to Leander. “I think that we should leave our friend to lick his wounds in peace. May I have the pleasure?”
Taking the extended hand gratefully, Leander did not look back at Alwyn or the others as he followed Theite onto the large dance floor. Leading Leander through to the centre of the dancers, Theite expertly twirled him around, arms ready to catch him when the momentum would inevitably pull his body back to him. With well refined movements, the pair moved in synchronisation, feet moving in time to the music.
For a while, they moved in silence, before Theite returned to conversation. “I shouldn’t be surprised, but I find myself impressed, Lord Leander,” he murmured after a second spin. “And may I say how exquisite you look tonight.”
Once they were well into their rhythm, Leander was able to take most of his attention from what his feet were doing and engage in conversation. “I could say the same about you my lord, it’s?—”
“Don’t play coy with me, Leo. I am no fool. You’ve made a special effort for a special person, I see. Shame he wasn’t there to watch you in defending his honour. I daresay there would be more blushing than during a maiden’s first night abed with a man.”
“I think I would prefer for Prince Jarryn not to be aware of the treasonous things said about him by members of this court. He has been through enough.”
“Oh, I quite agree. But maybe hearing your words would make him… warm to you some more.”
“We seem to be heading in that direction anyway,” Leander said with a hopeful smile.
“Really? Ah, the hunt. Of course. After your heroic behaviour, how could it not thaw his heart a little. Well, I’m sure Lucien will be thrilled to hear the news that his two guests seem to be getting along at last. Nine, the king would love to hear the news as well, after all his diligent efforts. No doubt he will remember to maim someone next time he seeks friendship. There is no room for animosity amidst adversity.”
They continued to circle as their feet moved in tandem, rotating with the other couples around the dancefloor.
“I don’t think he needs to maim anyone?—”
“Oh, no. Of course not. Not badly. Just a few cracked ribs will do the trick.”
Leander smiled ruefully. “Jarryn must be more tight-lipped than I thought. His ribs were not the first broken bones between us, and it didn’t help my cause any.”
“Yes, well… these things are not so random as we’d all like to think.”
