Silence fell across the room.
Uncle? The word didn't make sense and for a moment, Ruelle thought she had misheard.
Hermes, beside the king, looked momentarily caught off guard, while Edward huffed, demanding, "Who are you calling uncle? Have you lost your mind? That's King Septimus to you."
And when King Septimus did not deny it, Edward's expression turned to disbelief.
"Beloved?" the king echoed softly, testing the word on his tongue. "I was not aware you had taken one. And yet… she remains unclaimed."
"She won't remain so," Lucian answered, his voice low as his gaze held the king's without flinching.
The king regarded him, a faint trace of amusement settling in his eyes. He murmured, "You would do well to remember the last time you chose so decisively. It did not end well for you."
Lucian's head tipped slightly and he remarked, "You didn't look displeased."
King Septimus noticed how Lucian looked calmer than the first time they had met. His thoughts went to the past.
