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“More tedious posturing from the derelict,” Legion grumbles. “Too busy minding others’ business when he should concern himself with patrolling his region.”
“Willow,” Bodin says to me, his expression hardening. “You were victorious in the sparring match; however, wounding yourself was an unnecessary sacrifice. Private tutoring to hone your physique and combat efficiency will begin tomorrow.”
“Agreed,” Legion returns. “Endurance and strength. I want her as nimble as a fee-lion.”
“Technique first,” Bodin insists.
“Mental resilience is also imperative. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”
“Um, hello.” I wave. “I’m sitting right here.”
Two sets of piercing dark eyes look my way. I should have kept my mouth shut because their combined attention consumes every ounce of air in my lungs.
Stomping up the private staircase announces Fox’s arrival. I never thought I’d be relieved or grateful to see him, but at least it’s not me being stared at now.
But then I take in his ruffled appearance. His eyes are puffy and glazed. His shirt is untucked, his buttons haphazardly joined. He reeks of spirits and looks like he’s rolled out of a courtesan’s bed. He laughs boisterously as he flops onto his chair and almost spills the wine.
Legion’s glare could cut diamonds. “Where have you been?”
“Expending pent up?—”
Bodin clears his throat and gives me a pointed look. Fox faces me and blinks, as if trying to pull me into focus.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the bewitching little backstabber herself. Or should I say, front stabber?” He raises his glass in a toast toward me, spilling wine. “Finally wriggled free from the nest, I see.”
“That was days ago,” I shoot back. “And no thanks to you.”
“Gratitude. Let’s toast to that next.” He leans in with a whispered snarl, “Or lack thereof when we literally bleed for you.”
How dare he play the victim. “Aw, did I hurt the big bad boogeyman’s feelings?”
Anger flashes in his eyes, but Legion speaks before he can retaliate. “Enough. We must display a united House. It’s a miracle we’ve managed to keep the wildling hidden. We don’t need more scrutiny.”
“Who looks after him now?” I wonder aloud.
“Emrys,” they all say.
My brows raise. Bodin explains, “He is averse to fanfare.”
Fox slides down in his seat, sprawls his legs, and watches my reaction as his foot hits mine. My fingers curl around the dinner knife.
“Quite happy to continue what I started,”I think loudly, hoping he’ll hear it in his mind.
His boot jabs my shin. I jolt, and my knee hits the table, spilling his wine onto his fingers.
“ForNicnevin’ssake, Fox, clean it up,” Legion says with a sigh, rubbing his temples.
Fox deliberately licks his fingers, rebellious eyes on his leader. Tension thickens the air. If Legion had full access to his power, I imagine he’d choke his Fifth with invisible ghost hands.
“You’d love to watch that, wouldn’t you, little wolf?”Fox taunts in my mind, still daring Legion with his licking.“You’d have front-row seats, maybe even?—”
“Ow.” He scowls as I kick him hard beneath the table.
“People are watching,Fox,” I reprimand, fighting a smile.
“Mm, but that makes it even more arousing,Willow.”
A blush creeps up my neck, tingling my ears to the point of twitching.
