"I don't hate your father as much as I hated Marquess Lucian Fairchild," King Theron continued, oblivious to the tension thickening in the room. "That man was truly evil. Though I suppose we should be grateful he brought all these lovely couples together indirectly."
I felt a chill run down my spine at the casual mention of Lucian's name. Even now, months after his death, the mere sound of it conjured dark memories.
"Theron," Queen Seraphina admonished gently, placing her hand on her husband's arm. "Perhaps this isn't the most pleasant topic for our gathering."
The King blinked, finally noticing the discomfort on our faces. "Ah. Yes. My apologies." He straightened, his expression brightening artificially. "Let's discuss something far more entertaining! Like arranging marriages for all your future children!"
Alaric nearly choked on his drink. "I beg your pardon?"
