“Dance with you?” Nyssa repeated. “What—“
But Aydra was already pulling her to the floor. “Don’t worry,” Aydra continued. “I’ll lead.”
Dorian chuckled at the bewildered look on Nyssa’s face as Aydra swung her onto the dance floor and gave her a twirl. Nyssa relaxed after a moment, and the sound of her laugh echoed over the music—so loudly that a few heads turned.
Watching them was a moment he would hold onto on his darkest nights.
The Scindo twins came up to him then, both looking to dance with him as they usually did, and Dorian, of course, agreed enthusiastically. He told them he would join in a few minutes, that he needed to take care of some things for his sisters first, and the pair both gave him quick kisses before letting him be.
He stalked over to the buffet table after a few moments to ask one of the servants to bring up a carafe of their better wine from the back rooms. As he turned to wait, he caught Corbin watching him, not with interest as he had the morning before, but rather with disapproval that confused Dorian.
If anyone should have looked at the other with disapproval, it was Dorian.
“I see you’ve secured your partners already,” Corbin said without looking at him.
“I wasn’t aware you gave a damn about my partners,” Dorian snapped.
Corbin shifted slightly, not replying. Dorian watched the dancing another moment, collecting his thoughts and what he wished to say to his Second, before continuing.
“I haven’t seen you all day,” Dorian said as he settled his hips against the buffet table at Corbin’s side.
Corbin’s gaze remained steady, avoiding Dorian. “I did not know you needed me,” he replied, his snappy tone matching the Prince’s. “A few other duties called my attention.”
“Other duties…” Dorian scoffed and shook his head, frustration swelling. “What other duties? I do not remember giving you any.”
“Announcing the guests,” Corbin said. “Helping with room placement.”
The servant returned as Dorian started to retort, and Dorian pushed off the table. “Save these for my sisters,” he instructed her. “Any time they want a drink, you pour it from this.”
The servant nodded, eyes slightly narrowed at the imperious way Dorian spoke, yet Dorian didn’t pay her any mind. He shot back the wine in his own glass and practically slammed it back on the tray.His shoulder brushed Corbin’s as he started walking, saying, “Come with me,” to the Belwark as he did.
Corbin didn’t argue.
The hall was dark when they exited through the back, and Dorian didn’t stop walking until they were at the end of it, out of earshot from some of the lingering guests.
“What’s on your mind, Prince?” Corbin asked. “Besides the twins.”
Dorian nearly lost it as he rounded on his Second.
“You say you only ever come around me for your duty, then do your fucking duty,” Dorian hissed, not meaning for his anger to slip to the surface, but he was growing tired of Corbin’s games, and he wanted to make sure the Belwark knew who he had fought for.
“You belong tome,” he continued in a darkened voice, hovering so close to Corbin that he could feel his breath on his lips. “The next time some lower Belwark asks you to take over what should be their fucking job, you remind them that you give the orders. The only person that should be asking you to do anything is myself or Lex. There are a thousand other Belwarks in this kingdom capable of taking care of meaningless tasks like the ones you did today. That isnotyour job.”
Corbin didn’t reply. Dorian took a step back, hands pressing to his hips as he tried to calm himself.
“I needed you last night,” Dorian said, a little less angrily.
Corbin stared at him. “Is that true or was it for—“
“We found Infi,” Dorian finished.
And Corbin’s eyes widened. “Shit,” Corbin muttered. “What—“
“It was taken care of,” Dorian said as his rage continued to slip. “Just check in with me,” he continued, voice now nearly pleading. “You are theFire Second. You shouldn’t even be staying in those quarters any longer. There are a hundred bedrooms in this castle. Lex stays on the floor above my own. That’s where you should be staying too. You’re supposed to be there when I need you.”
Corbin seemed to consider his words, hands relaxing against his cup. And when he still didn’t speak, Dorian sighed in an audible huff.
“Say something, Bin,” Dorian nearly pleaded. “If you do not want the position any longer, you need to tell me. I know you hate me, but—“
