Present Day
As the evening meal wound to a close, the human musician, Oberyan, and the siren came forth to entertain those lingering to drink and socialize, but Yelena’s attention was on where Cerilius and Auralyn sat together with Lord Rithelwen, their heads bowed in conversation, and their eyes often sliding to the king’s table.
“They conspire against me,” Macedius commented, observing where she watched, leaning back in his throne with casual indifference. “None too discretely, which makes me wonder whether this blatant collusion is cover for something more secret, or if by being blatant, they intend for me to be distracted in searching for subtler treachery from what they do.”
“How you can live like this,” she put her hand on his knee under the cover of the table, seeking comfort through contact with him. “With enemies all around, even amongst your own children.”