“Edrin!” Beren hissed, even through his grinning lips. “Spirits are getting too heated, this is supposed to be a calm affair.”
“It’s hard to remain calm when you insult my future husband,” I said.
None of them needed to know things between Ryker and I were shaky.
It was the principle of the matter.
As far as they were concerned, Ryker and I were true allies. It’s what made us seem more powerful.
If they sensed discord, they would try to divide.
And beyond the logical, diplomatic arguments, I didn’t want anybody insulting Ryker.
Beren tilted his head, feigning hesitation. He did it well, too, licking his lips and looking down, almost embarrassed. If Rykerwouldn’t have warned me, perhaps I wouldn’t have seen through the display so easily.
“We’ve heard things aren’t as rosy between you two as you claim,” he said at last. “He’s a difficult man. Even harder to live with, I imagine. And leaving you, an outsider, in that horrific cold, alone to fend off an entire army while he’s off playing the hero…”
“You’re right,” I said. “That should give you pause.”
“Us?” A startled, arrogant laugh burst through Beren’s facade. He recovered a moment later, brows furrowing. “Yes, we’re quite concerned for you.”
“I can tell,” I said coldly. “Very gracious of you to send so many, many, many soldiers to check on my well-being. But, as you can tell, I’m in perfectly good shape.”
“Killer shape, one might say,” Dax said.
Beren hummed. “Yes, we have all heard about your spectacular abilities.”
“Shame you haven’t had the chance to witness them,” I said with more confidence than I felt.
But this was all about a show. “At least not yet.”
“Perhaps we will at the wedding.” His eyes glinted cruelly. “I hear these Protectorate events always come with surprises. On the cusp of destruction and yet you’re still the talk of the continent.”
My heart began to race faster.
Beren was walking a very tight line between flattery and trying to break that calm he invoked so much.
Another time, I might have taken the bait, my Clan pride wounded and wanting to wound back.
But I had too many people’s lives counting on my patience and composure.
“Told you everyone wants a piece of us,” I said.
Dax shook his head. “Can’t satisfy everyone, I’m afraid. There’s only so many of us carrying Dria Vegheara’s blood.”
We watched as Beren’s face tightened, his grin now as frozen as ours.
He knew about someone wanting to drain our blood, too.
I wasn’t sure about the other two. Edrin scowled and Lioran cleared his voice, but they both kept their mouths shut.
But they weren't the only ones who could sow discord.
“Precious blood, they say,” I went on. “Worth killing over.”
Edrin’s empty, mean stare barely flickered, while the other two bristled. Not much; not enough for someone who was behind the plot, just someone who was aware of it.
“Let’s hope the gods protect every single hair on that beautiful head of yours,” Beren said, making my skin crawl. “It truly would be a shame if the crater’s dubious leadership put you in danger."
