They didn't linger long in the dining room. Victor finished his coffee with natural grace, as though the cascade of calls and messages hadn't been vibrating through his silenced phone. Elias, meanwhile, polished off the last of his bread and muttered something about tyrants eating better than half the country.
When Victor stood, Elias expected him to vanish into his schedule, but instead the alpha's hand brushed the small of his back, steady and guiding, turning his steps not toward the marble hall but toward the grand staircase.
"Where are we going?" Elias asked, suspicion edging his voice.
"To get dressed." Victor's tone was simple, matter-of-fact, as if it were obvious Elias would be included in this ritual.
