The feast on its own was not all that eventful.
But Kalliope’s eyes did not miss the way Rion’s glanced towards hers and Malus’ table, lingering at how she sat perched on her husband’s lap the entire night. She did not miss Venus’ flirtations towards the soldiers, attentive in contrast to how she ignored Kalliope and Malus.
Malus kept a hand pressed against her abdomen, long, calloused fingers spread protectively, radiating warmth and protectiveness, as he too observed their “guests”. Rion would avert his eyes the moment he realised Malus was watching, only to glance at the Royal couple again with increasing hunger. A rumbling growl grew in Malus’s chest, his hand flexing over Kalliope and pulling her closer.
Kalliope herself was not all too interested in Prince Rion. She did not both
