Page 33 of Warlord's Plaything

Trying to see if I’m losing my grip.

I smile.

Let them wonder.

"Your fascination with her is becoming problematic."

This time, it’s Xiva who speaks.

His voice is quiet. Too quiet.

The kind of quiet that has preceded execution orders in this chamber before.

I sip my wine. Unbothered.

"Fascination?"I repeat, lifting a brow.

The others shift slightly.

I can feel the thin thread of patience tightening.

"You think I let her live because of… interest?"

I let the word drip with amusement, with insult.

Let them hear how ridiculous they sound.

Xiva doesn’t blink.

"Isn’t it, son?"

I exhale slowly, setting my goblet down. Careful. Deliberate.

"No."

I stand, pacing slowly, letting my boots echo against the stone.

"I let her live because she amuses me."

A lie.

But a lie they will believe.

I glance at Valis, smirking.

"Would you rather she amuse you?"

His face darkens."She is dangerous."

"So am I."

A silence.

One thick enough to choke on.

"If you cannot keep your pet on a leash?—"

I move before he finishes.

---