The tension from Alaric's outburst hung in the air for a moment before I couldn't help but laugh. The sound broke through the awkward silence, drawing surprised looks from everyone at the table.
"And that," I said, wiping a tear of mirth from my eye, "is precisely why I love my husband. He expresses himself with such... colorful candor."
Lady Rowena sniffed disapprovingly, but I caught the hint of amusement in her eyes. "Alaric, must you always be so crude at the dinner table?"
Alaric's expression softened as he looked at me, ignoring his mother's admonishment. He reached for my hand beneath the table, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"I apologize for my son's lack of decorum," Lady Rowena said to Daniel Wrightson, who seemed more entertained than offended.
"No apology necessary," Daniel replied smoothly. "I find honesty refreshing in these times of excessive politeness."
