I had to do what he needed.
Whether proclaiming my feelings or spewing hate, I’d draw eyes we didn’t need to our backs. He’d made that clear. But I had no intention of putting on an act with him, either.
So, instead, I lifted my chin and kept my expression neutral as I walked over to where Izzy and Morgan stood. They chatted outside the room I’d shared with Izzy before I returned last night and declared I’d be moving back upstairs.
Their hushed voices fell silent as I walked up.
I gave an awkward wave. “Hey, how are you guys feeling?”
Izzy placed her hand on my arm gently. “We should be asking you that. We heard about what happened. I hunted down Kingston yesterday to make sure you were okay.”
I covered her hand with mine. “Thanks, Izzy. That means a lot, and I’m fine, I guess.”
Angela walked up to join us, and they all focused on me.
With an awkward laugh, I withdrew my hand and ran it through my hair. “Honestly, with everything else going on, I haven’t had much time to process it.”
“Well, we’re here if you need to talk.” Morgan smiled.
Angela pursed her lips, scanning Camelot Courtyard and narrowing her eyes on Merle. “I can’t believe they’re making us do this here after what happened.”
I cocked my head. “You can’t?”
Morgan balked. “His blood is still on the stones, Quinn. They couldn’t scrub it all out.”
Shaking my head, I met Izzy’s piercing green stare. “That’s exactly my point. To me, forcing you all tohave funon ourBonding Daywith a reminder of what happened right in front of you? That seems pointed. Not to mention totally on brand.”
Drake had buried Landon’s mother at Pendragon Estate, as a reminder to Landon—whether he remembered it or not—of what happened to those who betrayed Camelot Court. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit if that was the intention today.
“You think it’s purposeful?” Izzy frowned. “Why would they do that?”
“To remind you what happens if you cause problems.”
Angela arched a brow and nodded.
Morgan made a sound of disgust in the back of her throat.
Izzy shuddered. “Oh God, that’s awful. Hopefully, that’s not the case.”
I shrugged, certain the look on my face conveyedexactlywhat I thought about that.
Before any of them responded, Merle’s unwelcome voice interrupted. “Alright, Ladies, everyone gather at the tables!”
We grabbed spots at one table together, waiting patiently for instructions as the Knights gathered up the paddles they’d carved and brought them around to each of our stations.
Max took my side of the table and made his way down the line, placing the paddle in front of each girl as he passed.
I braced for whatever he planned to say when he reached me, holding my breath until he stood behind me.
He pressed in close, the heat from his body radiating into my back, and when his arm brushed mine, my skin burned. A tremor ran through me at his barest touch.
After setting my paddle down, he lingered longer than necessary, breathing in deeply before pulling away.
I pressed my eyes shut.
Once I reopened them, he’d moved on to Izzy beside me.
I flattened my palms on the table, steadying myself and regaining control of my breathing.
