A Confrontation

Cassidy’s POV

When Alex and I entered the dining hall, we were the first ones there. We took our seats and waited for Alex’s parents. Alex was in a much better mood and had been since lunch. I was glad. His moodiness was starting to affect me through the bond as much as I tried to send positivity back. He was also unusually clingy, which I didn’t mind, but it was a sad clingy and I didn’t want him to be sad.

We didn’t wait long before they arrived, and we began our meal. King Edward rarely spoke during meals, it was usually Queen Annabelle who started conversations.

“Oh boys, I heard you got a parcel today?” she asked conversationally.

I watched Alex’s shoulders stiffen out of the corner of my eyes.

“We did,” I said. “A lovely, framed portrait of the royal family from the Kingdom of Lupus. Courtesy of Duke Kellen.”

Queen Annabelle glanced at us. “Interesting man,” she said. “Won’t you try the tea?”