Page 76 of The Sovereign: Part One
“But you were with Joss for years, you—”
“Roan!”Bellam hissed.
Roan snapped his gaze to Bellam, his eyes widening at her reprimand before his expression fell, realization settling in.A trace of recognition crossed his face, and he shot an apologetic glance toward Maxim and then to me.“My apologies.”
“Roan, what’s gotten into you?Why are you asking questions you know the answers to?”Lourdes asked.
“I have never remained there for more than a handful of days, dear sister, nor can I say with certainty how long it would take Isara to reach its gates,” he said, his words pointed.“I’m curious to know her perspective.”
She scoffed.“Honestly, Roan, how do you expect Isara to know?”
Lourdes seemed to be the only person at the table who still didn’t know the answer, but Roan wasn’t about to risk Bellam’s ire again.
Leopold cleared his throat, straightening in his seat.“The Vale is a wondrous and untamed place… endlessly intriguing.”His gaze fell to Maxim.“I understand that on your Court Date, you took Isara to Astris.Do they still serve the Truffle Mélange there?”He turned to Lourdes, a touch of warmth in his expression.“You ordered that after we returned from our Accordance.Do you remember, darling?”
“I do, and it was exquisite.We should make a reservation soon.”
Leopold seemed to lose focus for just a couple of seconds before responding with a small smile.“Done.”
Lourdes touched her husband’s cheek.“Thank you, love.”
Maxim rested his hand on my thigh, his fingers pressing into my skin with a gentle certainty.“Isara ordered the seared halyx, though the reviews spoke highly of the Truffle Mélange as well.”He turned to me, his gaze warm.“Maybe next time.”
Before I could answer, Lourdes turned to me, mischief flickering in her eyes.“Did it feel strange, eating when he didn’t?”
I leaned in.“Itdid!Did you feel that way, too?”
She nodded quickly, her lips pressed together in a thin line, suppressing a smile.For a brief moment, I caught a glimpse of the girl I used to know.
“Supplicants never eat,” Roan said, arching one brow.“Why would that be odd?”
Bellam took a slow sip of her drink.“Probably because you’re used to dating Sovereign during your Bacchanal Years.Seeing couples where only one person has a plate is normal, but when it’syou, it might feel off.”
Roan stared at his leir, turning the thought over.“That makes sense.Can’t say I’m looking forward to it.”
Everyone laughed—except Bellam—and only until we realized he wasn’t joking.
“Roan, don’t be ridiculous,” Lourdes said.
He glanced to Leopold, then to Maxim.“I meant no offense, it’s just that”—his gaze met Bellam’s—“I prefer sitting across from the woman I adore, enjoying a meal together, watching her relish every bite, discussing the different tastes.”
“So many have been adored,” Bellam muttered.
“Just one,” Roan said, nearly bereft.
“No offense taken,” Maxim said, his eyes pouring over me with deep affection.“I share the same sentiment.”
“Is it tonight that you’re released for domestic preview?”Leopold asked.
“Yes,” I replied, a spark of excitement rising in me.“We’re heading home right after dinner.”
“I remember ours,” Lourdes said, her voice dipping into nostalgia.“It felt strange after he left.Empty.”
“I’m sure it does,” I murmured, shooting a quick glance to Maxim before reaching for my drink.
A male Hiven arrived moments later, efficiently clearing away the remnants of the first course.The clink of silver against porcelain barely interrupted the lull in conversation, though Lourdes soon filled the space.
Before another conversation could take root, Andress returned with a large tray crowded with intricately plated dishes, balanced effortlessly in her hands.
