Page 34 of Warlord's Plaything

Not fast.

Not angry.

Just enough to remind them why they fear me.

My fingers curl around the back of Valis’s chair, dragging him forward slightly.

His breath hitches.

"Do you think I don’t know what she is?"I murmur, voice low. Measured.

A flicker of something in his eyes.

Fear.

He masks it well, but I feel it.

"I know exactly what I’m doing."

The chamber holds its breath.

I lean in slightly.

"The question is?—"

Let them ache for it.

"Do you?"

Valis exhales shakily.

But he doesn’t push further.

He knows.

Xiva watches me for a long moment.

Then, finally, he smirks.

"Very well. But do not forget—every leash can tighten, even yours."

A warning.

A subtle knife to the ribs.

But I just bow my head slightly, playing the obedient role.

As the council disperses, Kaelith lingers.

He waits until the others are out of earshot, then murmurs,

"They’re starting to wonder, you know."

I sip my wine. Feign boredom.

"About?"

Kaelith watches me. Too closely.

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