Devin and Ysander sat mute. But nodded.
No knives flew my way. That was a plus.
Directly on my right, Lord Cato stifled a yawn behind his fist. My father blinked blurry eyes down at his meal and ate at a sluggish pace. He was also leaning heavily on the table with his elbows during his silent eating.
My black brows puckered as I took a bite of my food. I used discretion while evaluating the rest of the Overlords. I took a sip of the blood in my glass, graciously gifted every morning by the druid leader, and decided that only Lord Xenon and Lord Otto appeared well-rested.
Lord Belshazzar’s eyes were even a little glassy.
Master Niallan and his partners were talking together at the end of the table, completely wrapped up in themselves, so I decided this would be safe to bring up.
I lowered my glass to the table, and asked quietly, “Have a late night, my lords? You look a bit peaked.”
Lord Pippin glowered. He stabbed at a piece of sausage on his plate. “Lord Belshazzar paced our room all night long. He fit right in with Master Niallan’s mother dancing and keeping us up.”
My entire body heated with affection. “Ah.”
I switched my regard to the lord sitting across from me. I licked my bottom lip and waited. And waited. But the Overlord wouldn’t look at me, his eyes cast down on his meal. I stated softly, “I was fine, Lord Belshazzar.”
He grunted and cut into his own cantaloupe.
My smile was gentle with caring. “On the positive side, you’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”
Ice blue eyes flicked up to mine—no sentiment showing at all. He chewed mutely, until he asked coolly, “You’re sleeping in our room tonight?”
I nodded once. And ate a piece of sausage.
“Brilliant. I doubt Lord Cato would like you out again tonight in the unknown.” His blue eyes sparkled on mine when my father flayed him with a cross expression. “It’s safer being with us, your majesty.”
My chin trembled in good humor. “Funny. I’m pretty sure Lord Cato knows I can take care of myself. But I’ll take that under advisement.”
Lord Belshazzar pointed his fork at me. “Do that. Everyone will rest easier if you’re sleeping soundly where you should be—even if you keep us up half the night talking beforehand. Not all of us are bothered by your chatter, your majesty.”
I hid the fondness that pressed to show on my face. I quickly stated, “That’s excellent to know, my lord.”
He nodded once curtly and resumed eating.
Lord Otto stated, “I had no issues sleeping. Didn’t notice anything amiss. I dreamed about two women with talented mouths.”
“That’s nice, my lord.” I shook my head in exasperation. “Now I know why you moan every night in your sleep.”
He smirked, unrepentant. “I have sweet dreams, your majesty. I believe you starred in one—”
I pointed my knife at him, cutting him off. “Enough of that.”
Lord Otto cackled quietly, fully enjoying himself.
Lord Belshazzar’s frosty gaze landed on him.
The Overlord’s laughter died a quick death.
My lips twitched. “Silence is a beautiful thing, is it not, my lords?”
The frown on Lord Otto’s face was amazing.
Lord Belshazzar grinned. “It definitely is, your majesty. But, unfortunately, we do have business to discuss.” His long, black hair fell over one of his shoulders as he turned his attention to the druid at the head of the table. “Master Niallan, your fourth Challenge begins after breakfast.”
The druid gestured to his partners. “Are they allowed to hear it this time? Or do I need to ask them to leave?”
