The Queen Mother lowered her cup, her interest becoming more apparent. She tilted her head, and the morning light slid along the curve of her collarbone.
"Careful. Answers like that make a woman want to become the right person."
"I would not want to trouble Your Highness with unnecessary curiosity."
"How considerate of you." Her smile lingered. "Though unnecessary is such a cold word for something that already feels this warm."
Instead of retreating, she leaned a little closer, lowering her voice just enough to make their exchange feel private without drawing attention from the rest of the table.
From Olivia's place, however, the intimacy of the angle was obvious.
"Tell me, Kraven." The given name landed with soft clarity. "Do you always speak to women as though you are negotiating a treaty?"
Julian did not react immediately. He allowed the silence to linger for a moment before answering.
"Only when I am uncertain what they want from me."
