“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you! I’ve hired a behavior coach! She’ll teach you how to fit in, how to act little more modern. And less like a pack of medieval barbarians.”
At that, the boys erupted into loud commentary, with Tybalt trying to assure everyone that this would be beneficial, Aylwyn laughing about this person being a RuPaul—whatever that meant—from some reality show that Col hadn’t heard about nor cared to, Barric’s booming baritone threatening Aylwyn with bodily harm because unlike Col, hewasfamiliar with the reality show being referenced, and Merek’s egging on Barric to deliver on his threat.
Col’s frustration boiled up and spilled over. There was an enemy out there that they needed to find. The Dark Warlord, as well, might be awakening even now, or might have awakened months ago. Forcing him and hisBredhrento learn how to mince and prance and use proper tableware would be a colossal waste of time.
“This is the most foolish idea ever visited on us!” Col snapped. “I will not waste one minute of my time with this ‘behavior coach’!”
He was surprised at how much vehemence lay in his words.
There was a sudden hush. It couldn’t be at his speech or tone. They were all staring, not at him, but behind him.
He turned, slowly. Gods, thecoachthat Simon hired had entered the room.
It was the woman he’d seen through the window – and now every nerve in his body was on fire with a strange, angry heat.
