As soon as Carlos strutted away, clutching his golden token like a scepter of kingship, the heavy silence returned, suffocating and tense.
Derek watched his brother go, feeling a mixture of pity and rage. Carlos was walking into a trap, carrying the rope that would hang them all, and he was smiling about it.
Derek turned back to Prince Liam. He didn't let his anger show. He forced a wide, grateful smile onto his face, bowing low with a flourish that bordered on mockery.
"Prince Liam's concern for my family truly comes one after another," Derek said, his voice dripping with polite sarcasm that only he and Liam understood. "First the visit to my humble establishment, now this commission for my brother. It is such a great favor. I will forever remember it. The Thompson family is in your debt."
Liam smirked. He enjoyed the game. He enjoyed seeing Derek forced to swallow poison and call it wine. He enjoyed the sight of the powerful Grand Duke dancing on his strings.
