A Lord Worth Choosing
"What?" he asked lightly. "You're surprised?"
The brothers exchanged a glance.
Teeth clenched, the youngest held still. Without thinking, the one in the middle let his fingers drift near his waist - just how he always did when quiet fell.
Forward moved Max, stepping ahead. First he was, like every time before.
"We…" He inhaled slowly, forcing his voice steady. "We did not expect you to agree so easily."
His voice held nothing sharp. Only a quiet kind of wonder.
A quiet curve touched Leon's lips, growing fuller without scorn.
"I didn't," he admitted honestly. "Not at first."
Up he got from the couch, slow but steady. Each gesture deliberate. Quiet strength showed without speaking. Poise that never shouts.
"You think this was simple for me?" he continued, walking a few steps closer. "Three men guarding a secret treasure. Loyal to something greater than themselves. And you stand before me, offering allegiance… with conditions."
