Present Day
Macedius’ watched Sylvin from the high table. When he saw Sylvin’s eyes fall upon him, he held a grape between his teeth, sinking his bite just so that it pierced the skin to the tender flesh below and then tossed his chin up, taking the grape into his mouth. He smiled slightly as he used his back teeth to pulverise the orb.
Sylvin held the King’s eyes, deliberately keeping his expression neutral, whilst letting his other nature flash in his eyes. The two powerful men stared at each other across the room, until Macedius sneered his laughter, leaning back in his chair, and turned his attention to what Ehlark was saying to his companion.
It was not wise, Sylvin reprimanded himself, to provoke the King, especially as he would be leaving Yelena and Sterling with only Greshyn to protect them. Much better to fade from sight and memory. What he needed, he thought, was a distraction, a new shiny toy for the King to covet, and one that did not belong to Sylvin.