Ophelia turned to look at me, her expression flat. “Are you just catching on? Yes, I have a problem with both of you. It doesn’t make sense that you are in my house, strangers that I don’t remember inviting.”
“Your house?” The Captain raised a brow, chuckling. “This is so interesting.”
“My brother’s house is my house,” Ophelia countered rather grumpily.
“Look, I think you all should start your meal before it gets cold,” Mr. Yulia interjected, his smile never faltering. I didn’teven realise that he had been hovering around the table all this while. “Whatever question anyone has, I’m sure the Marshal will give you all the answers when he gets back,” he added.
My gaze drifted to the head of the table where a single plate remained untouched. He was supposed to be here. So where was he, anyway?
My stomach tightened.
Was he avoiding me?
“Is he going to come for dinner at all?” I asked, my tone unusually sour.
“Why?” Ophelia demanded. “Do you need him to feed you?”
Captain Razzo rolled his eyes, his jaw faintly twitching. “Can you not be immature for a second? It might shock you to know, but she’s not the cause of your problems.”
Then he turned to me, shrugging. “He might not come. He hardly comes down for dinner.”
“Well, is he home right now?” I asked, my voice quieter this time.
“Oh my god!” Ophelia slammed her hands on the table. “Will you just shut up for a second?”
Captain Razzo made a frustrated sound from the back of his throat.
“Beth,” Kenzo whispered. “Just eat, okay?”
“Sergei!” Captain Razzo suddenly called out to the armed man hovering near the dining room.
“Yes, Captain?!”
“Is the Marshal home yet?”
“No, Captain!”
He looked back at me. “Has your question been answered?”
I sighed, poking at my food. “Yeah. Thanks.”
The clinging of steel echoed in the room. But I didn’t feel like eating. Not when all I could think about was where Callan was and why he hadn’t come to see me.
He must really hate my presence to the point that he refused to see me.
Throughout that day, I waited and waited. But he never came until night fell, and a new day began.
22
ZAGHAN
This was my playground.
I had a habit.
I liked to watch people.
From high places, preferably. The rooftops, balconies, second floor of the mall overlooking the atrium, the guard tower, watching soldiers parade the ground. I loved standing at anywhere I could look down at them without being part of them.
