Grayson's eyes flickered with a quiet moment of hesitation before he forced an impossibly handsome smile onto his face.
"I have a few... business matters to check on," Grayson lied smoothly, holding her hand softly. "Just checking in with my city managers. I shall return before lunch."
Mailah narrowed her eyes slightly, looking at him with quiet suspicion. "Business matters? You didn't mention any meetings yesterday."
"It is merely routine work, my queen," Grayson said, leaning down to press his forehead against hers, using his swoon-worthy closeness to distract her. "A very boring human task. I promise you, my heart aches at the thought of leaving your side for even one hour."
"Ew! Gross! Stop doing that!" Chloe yelled from the table, throwing a piece of bread crust at them. "I'm trying to eat!"
Grayson caught the crust in mid-air with two fingers without even turning his head. He glared at Chloe over his shoulder, his eyes flashing with a brief warning.
