"Then we're agreed," Ajari said, flicking a glance at everyone assembled. "This means war."
Eva made a slight garbled sound next to him.
Shea heaved a sigh, eyeing the mythological with something approaching irritation. "Why is your first instinct always to declare war?"
Ajari shrugged. "It's hard to forget the sins of the past."
"How about instead of rushing to judgement, we take a moment to figure out what actually happened?" Shea said sourly.
Fallon, at her side, lifted a hand to cover the smile Caden knew was threatening. He seemed to find his queen's frequent temper, which only seemed to grow as her belly did, somewhat amusing.
Shea shrugged, fixing Ajari with a hard look. "It's your choice of course."
Fallon was a supportive presence at her side, the seeming casualness of his posture a lie. Caden knew he was ready to move if Ajari became a threat.
Ajari didn't answer immediately, instead studying Caden and Eva.
Caden met his gaze head-on, not caring if Ajari read his death in Caden’s eyes.
Fallon was the one who cared about politics. Caden just liked killing things. He was simple like that.
If his warlord told him to tear apart the mythological, he'd do it and sleep like a baby afterward.
"Very well. Since you seem so passionate about this matter. Please, continue." Ajari waved his hand.
"Despite appearances, these people weren't Trateri," Fallon said.
"Interesting claim," Ajari drawled. "I assume you have proof."
"We can show you their bodies and let you decide." Shea made to rise, only making it halfway up before grimacing.
"Perhaps someone else could do that," Fallon suggested in a deep rumble.
Shea jerked to face him. "I'm perfectly capable of escorting Ajari. I'm not an invalid yet."
"I agree, but you had a long night and you're hurting and tired today. Let someone else do it," Fallon said gently.
Ajari's head tilted. "I find myself in agreement with your warlord. Examining the bodies can wait, especially since you're not as spry as you once were."
There was a choked sound from Lainie, while Darius suddenly became absorbed with his wine glass. Eva glanced back at Caden, her eyes wide as she shuffled toward the door, making it obvious she'd prefer to be anywhere but here.
Fallon's expression was frozen between laughter and horror.
Ajari glanced around the room, his intelligent gaze taking in the sudden tension. "Is it something I said? I am still learning the nuances of human interactions."
Humor glinted in Fallon's eyes as he and Caden shared a glance. Caden shook his head. Poor bastard. He had no idea the hornet’s nest he'd stumbled into. It would be entertaining watching Shea teach Ajari the error of his thinking.
Ajari's gaze grew wary as he noticed Shea appeared seconds away from leaping out of her seat and clawing his face off.
"You have much to learn, Ajari," Lainie said smoothly, only a hint of amusement threading through her voice. "Women do not like having such things thrown in their face." Her gaze cut to Shea. "True as they might be."
Shea relaxed into her chair, looking less like she wanted to do bodily harm to the Tenrin, as she grudgingly conceded they all had a point. "Damn stomach. I can't get anything done around it anymore." She glared at Fallon. "I blame you for this."
He smirked. "I remember you being a more than willing participant."
Whatever remark Shea had was forestalled as she grimaced, one hand going to her stomach.
Ajari's eyes dropped to where her hand rested. "The young one grows strong."
