The effect was immediate. Mia froze mid-bite, eyes wide. Serathine's teacup paused halfway to her lips, while Cressida gave a long, pointed glance over the rim of her glass, the kind that said, you've just invited bloodsport, boy.
Lucas blinked, then tilted his head, voice smooth but edged with amusement. "Subtlety clearly isn't your strong suit."
Sirius grinned, unrepentant. "Why should it be? Everyone knows anyway. Seems like meditation was better than my brother."
Lucius exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You are lucky to be the Crown Prince; the engagement fell through because their house was connected to Velloran, and Trevor made sure to destroy those that tried to poison him."
Mia's jaw dropped. "Wait… poison?"
Sirius waved a hand, casual as though he were discussing the weather. "It was a minor attempt. Hardly worth the fuss."
