Page 212 of The Wishing Game

"Why would that be a problem?" Rhea asks.

"It is merely a precautionary measure. Arwyn's majority will be attended by some of the most important people in Aperion. It will be the perfect opportunity for an attack, if that is their plan."

I stare at Ze unblinking, a little taken aback by this new manner of his. He's surprisingly eloquent and persuasive, his words and tone demanding immediate attention and respect.

"You are right," Maros sighs. "You are welcome to stay in our home for any amount of time you require. Having you here for Arwyn's majority will, indeed, put my mind at ease."

"Why don't you go stay with the king?" Thea suddenly quips, not even bothering to hide her disdain. "Our home may be a little too lacking for a figure as lofty as yourself," she adds sarcastically.

Ze's lips curl around the corners.

"I have decided to lower my standards. You are welcome."

"Ze." I give him a harsh look as I kick him under the table.

He turns to look at me, the picture of innocence.

"I will have the guest room at the end of the hall," he says, not taking his eyes off me. It slowly dawns on me that the room in question is right across from my own.

"Of course. I will send the staff to prepare it for you." Maros nods, firing off instructions to some of the staff on standby.

With that settled, the staff brings an extra plate for Ze, and the duke and duchess nod at us to start eating.

I swallow as I gaze down at my plate, my mouth watering the more I stare at the assortment of appetizers. It's been a while since I've last eaten, yet I don't want to make a fool of myself considering the environment I'm in.

I pick up my fork and knife and carefully cut into the steamed vegetables, bringing a bite to my lips. The taste is divine, not that I expected anything less considering the fancy presentation.

Everyone eats in silence. Everyone but Ze, who's staring at his food with an inscrutable expression.

FORTY-FIVE

"Don't tell me you're not hungry?Again," I whisper at him. It's poor manners of him not to eat after barging into the dining hall and insinuating himself at our table.

He doesn't reply, appearing rather pensive as he picks up his fork and moves it across his plate.

Oh well, it's not as if this is the first time he's been rude, so I shouldn't bother too much—it's clear our hosts know it too since they don't pay him much attention.

Wyn starts talking about her ball, and soon the entire ensemble is too busy debating the latest fashions to notice Ze's fussiness about food.

I turn my attention to my plate, listening with one ear to the lively conversation at the table while I try each delicacy, setting aside those that are not to my liking.

"I still need to get fitted one last time for my midnight gown." Wyn sighs. "You will come with me, Thea, right?" she asks her sister enthusiastically. "You, too, Luce. Please." She flutters her lashes.

I nod. We have plenty of time before the third trial is announced.

"I would love to. I've already missed the other fittings." Thea smiles. "I can't wait to see you in that dress. It's going to be so special, Wyn." Her voice breaks.

"Don't get too emotional on me, sis. It's just a dress." Wyn chuckles, swatting Thea.

"It'snotjust a dress. It'sthedress, Wyn. You've grown so much, darling." She sighs. "I cannot believe you're going to be an adult soon."

My lips stretch into a pleasant smile as I watch their sweet interaction. But a sudden flurry of movement from the side grabs my attention. Slowly turning, I catch Ze red-handed as he's swapping food from my plate to his.

I blink.

He blinks.

"What do you think you're doing?" I hiss at him in a low voice so as not to attract attention to us.

---