Chapter 6: “I Underestimated You”Marcelo, present day
Efren’s add-on was calmly spoken, but Marcelo shivered. Was he under suspicion? He was an outsider coming from Zioneven’s former enemy.
Denis opened his mouth, but Merewina spoke first. “No, Efren arranged it as a surprise for Marcelo.” She gestured in Efren’s direction. “He did coordinate with Mr. Othes, though.”
“Ah,” Denis said. “Good to know.”
Marcelo let out a breath that was more audible than he’d intended, then winced. A lifetime of training in diplomacy and decorum, and he was failing to hold his composure under the strain.
“Don’t worry, son,” the king said kindly, “You’re not under suspicion.”
Marcelo swallowed and nodded. “Thank you, sir.” Not simply for the relief of being told he wasn’t a suspect, but for that word, “s
