Bastard.
I smile sweetly at Lord Daniel and lean back against the Prince’s arm, feeling him stiffen in surprise before he quickly relaxes and runs his fingers over my shoulder.
“I guess I would consider the employment to fall under an exploration of sorts,” I shrug, looking back down at my plate.
Both Keane and Daniel lean into their own dinners as well, nodding for me to continue.
“So you travel then?” the Lord asks, “for what reason?”
“Hmm,” I shake my head, “it’s best if I don’t say.”
“I understand if you don’t want to share, Lady Alexis,” he replies casually, “I’m merely a curious fellow.”
I eye the Lord as if I’m sizing his worth, my glance adding a small level of suspicion that he tries to resolve with a smile.
“You said you’re friends with the King?” I ask.
“I am.”
“Then I guess he won’t mind me telling you…”
Lord Daniel nods me forward just as Keane’s fingers flick to a serving boy behind us.
Right on cue.
“It’s hard to explain, but my group travels for an exploration and study of the mind,” I reply quietly, “and sometimes the body…”
“The body?” Lord Daniel coughs, both men trying to hide their astonishment as they look at me in shock.
I smile at Lord Daniel and give him a nod, then point my knife to Cal farther along the table.
“Do you see that big man a few seats down, auburn hair and beard?”
The Discerni Lord nods again.
“Him and the Discerni twins next to him travel with me… the four of us…”
I drag out my words as the expected call of my name comes from my right. The Prince hands me another toddy and keeps one for himself, the two of us downing them together.
“The four of you?” Daniel prompts.
“Oh yes…” I look at my plate and feign a blush, “well, it’s a bit indecent.”
I feel Keane’s arm tighten on the chair behind me, his eyes glancing straight to my cheeks.
“You have nothing to be ashamed of here, Lady Alexis,” Lord Daniel replies softly.
Dear Ancients, these men.
Do they really think I’m this dumb? Or do they think the toddy is taking over and leaving me with loose lips? Obviously neither of them paid attention when I told them that the women of our Court drink heavily.
“You’re right,” I look out to the room in front of us, “if there’s any place I should feel comfortable telling you this, its here.”
Both men nod their heads a bit too quickly.
“Do you see Cal, the big one?” I continue, reminding the Lord by pointing with my knife again.
Lord Daniel smiles patiently and nods me forward.
