“You're not attending the banquet" Vexan asked, eyes narrow.
Ethan leaned back on the obsidian throne, twirling a wine goblet he hadn't touched. “I don't eat with vultures."
“Your recovery demands a public show of strength. The court expects—"
“The court expects me to froth at the mouth and rip someone's spine out," Ethan cut in. “Instead, I slept like a man. Let them choke on that surprise."
“And the girl"
Ethan's gold eyes sharpened. “What about her"
Vexan hesitated. “She's... being discussed."
“Let them talk."
“They are. Quite viciously."
Ethan stood. “Remind them who I am."
---
In the eastern wing, Xiluo sat in a tiny room adjoining Ethan's chambers. Her walls were bare, but the floor was swept clean. A small trunk at the foot of her cot held the only things she owned fresh
