Then the king dabs his mouth with a napkin and looks across the table. “Thank you for joining me this evening. My apologies that the night didn’t turn out as planned.” He settles back into his seat. “Lord Darton…” He coughs, covers his chest with a pounding fist, then tries again. “Lord Darton has been murdered. Count Malandre and I have just gone to see his family. Funeral arrangements are underway. It is an unfortunate day for us all.”
Murmurs of concern and expressions of grief buzz around the table. I glance at Adom and catch him staring at me. His gaze slips away smoothly, almost as though he doesn’t care that I’m here. My eyes sink to the table, and I notice that Rhydian and I are still holding hands. For some reason, the exchange between Adom and Rhydian echoes through my head. I r
