Chapter 150

  He led us on a slow circle of the room, pausing to greet and exchange pleasantries if he was feeling pleasant towards that person, unpleasantries disguised as pleasantries if he was not happy with them for whatever reason. Akyran was a master at holding a grudge and felt no need to hide who held his favour and who did not, at any given time.

  The King and Queen were on a similar round, and stood with my parents, watching us. Akyran did not seem to notice as he paused us by Rivyn and Siorin.

  "Brother," Rivyn greeted Akyran. "And the always beautiful Ecaeris, of course," he leaned over to kiss me as Akyran did likewise with Siorin.