The tension around Daniel and the boys simmered beneath the glittering surface of the banquet. They returned reluctantly to their side of the hall when Princess Elisha was swept away by a cluster of ministers and nobles eager to discuss the expedition.
Isolde raised her glass to her lips, watching them through half-lidded eyes. Oliver couldn't help a faint smirk tugging his mouth.
Ariana leaned slightly toward him and whispered, "They look… annoyed."
"No kidding," Oliver replied behind his mask, casual as ever.
Jason and William exchanged looks, then turned their gazes toward Isolde, Ariana, and Seraphine. Their expressions shifted to confident smirks.
Predators sizing up what they thought were easy prey.
They strode toward the group with calculated charm.
Jason ran a hand through his hair, approaching Isolde with a lazy smile. "Excuse me, ladies. Mind if we keep you company? Banquets like these get boring without some interesting conversation."
