Hajin kept his fingers near Juna's wrist until her hand abandoned the hidden dagger and returned to her plate.
Atheron faced the hall from the foot of the staircase while his family settled in behind the waiting attendants nearby. His mana rolled through the gathering without striking anyone, yet nearby lords stopped fiddling with their cups before he spoke.
"Welcome," he boomed, spreading one hand toward the guests, "I'm delighted so many of you found an empty evening on such short notice."
Several nobles laughed before working out what in the greeting deserved the laughter.
He eyed the long refreshment tables with mock suspicion, "Honestly, I feared you emptied the capital's wine cellars, since you drink like someone announced a siege."
Hajin glanced at his own glass and declined to hand the monarch any evidence for that accusation.
"Fortunately, there's enough left for another night of gossip," he added, letting the nearest guests share his smile, "so use it generously."
