Nate dropped into the chair beside Gage, drink in hand. “Off whisky, or overthinking?”
“Those aren’t mutually exclusive.”
Nate smirked. “They’re placing bets.”
“Then they should know better.”
Dominic Cabal, all teeth and political pedigree, slid into the gap like a social grenade.
“So, King,” he said, easing onto the ottoman, “will we celebrate you before you go? Or are you skipping straight from boardroom to altar without the usual vices?”
The air shifted—small movements, a low ripple of laughter, a recalibration of orbit. They were listening now.
Gage looked up. Voice calm. “No bucks.”
“None?” someone echoed.
“I don’t plan to mark a transition I haven’t earned yet.”
They all blinked at him, like buffering icons in human form.
Across the room, someone said, “Didn’t think the King hesitated.”
Someone else muttered, “As if she’d say no.”
Charles stepped in smoothly, always the diplomat. “Let’s keep the bets off the heir, gentlemen. There’s a groom in the room, and bad decisions to make.”
RAFAEL
I don’t plan to mark a transition I haven’t earned yet.
Rafael didn’t move. But the line threaded through his bloodstream like a match to oil. His fingers tightened once on the glass, the crystal biting back against his grip.
Laurent, lounging beside him like a cat at the hearth, murmured, “Still breathing?”
“Yes.”
Laurent’s mouth curved faintly. “Impressive.”
Some voices called him over.
“Pray for the fools,” Laurent said, rising smoothly. “I’m about to steal their legacies in poker.”
Charles arrived just as he sauntered off. “Griffin,” he greeted warmly. “Enjoying yourself?”
“I don’t enjoy these things.”
Charles smiled. “No one does really. But it’s tradition. And tonight I indulge tradition.”
Rafael tipped his cognac toward Charles, then sipped.
“I appreciate you coming,” Charles said next. “Given…everything.”
Rafael’s gaze cut to him. “Say it plain.”
Charles’ smile didn’t falter. He took a slow sip. “Timing’s a bastard.” He gestured toward the group in the corner. “Go. Save the table. Before Laurent starts dealing and bankrupts them all.”
He walked off.
