Page 214 of Harbinger

At least we’re all distracted from the damn tablecloth now.

“I’m really fine,” I say, setting my cup down with shaking fingers. “Just distracted.”

“Yes,” Broderic says evenly. “That’s obvious.”

But Isidore smothers a smile with her hand.

“What are you so happy about?” Broderic asks, catching her, and an argument quickly ensues.

Some things don’t change.

“You need more wine,” Laurel calls over the argument, motioning for the footman to bring me another goblet.

I murmur a thanks as he pours it, but I can’t bring myself to drink any more than I can force myself to eat. My stomach has moved from clenched to actively hostile.

“So,” Broderic says, setting down his fork. “Patron.”

Oh, good. Just the change of subject I’ve been hoping for.

“Isn’t it exciting?” Laurel smiles, wheels turning in her eyes. Married to one patron. Sister-in-law to another.

But Broderic shakes his head. “Arden is an Icaros by birth. The Kindling was bad enough.”

“Didn’t the queen say not to question the Stars?” Void knows that I have, but he can’t seem to let this go.

He finally looks at me. “I think the queen made a mistake. I think …”

The table falls silent as though we all know what he was about to say next.

His words land in the tender ache beneath my ribs. I think the queen made a mistake. I’ve been swallowing back that exact sentiment since I received that summons. I haven’t been able to say it out loud, even to Bishop.

My brother saying it is different.

Hearing it from him feels like a slap.

“I’m sorry I came home.” Clearly, he doesn’t want me here.

Broderic’s laugh is hollow. “But you aren’t sorry that you left.”

“Stop,” Isidore whispers. “Both of you. Please.”

Andry stares at his plate like he can make himself invisible. I hate that. I hate that we’re doing this in front of him. I hate that we’re doing it at all.

“I need some air,” I say, getting up from the table.

Bishop stands, but Laurel rises faster.

“I’ll go with her,” she says, touching Broderic’s shoulder like she’s warning him not to interfere. “I’ve been hoping to have a moment with my future sister.”

Bishop doesn’t sit back down.

“I’ll be fine,” I tell him, because his face looks like he’s calculating his next move. I can practically hear the math. “Your people are everywhere.”

And I might as well get this over with. I wouldn’t put it past Laurel to show up in Vennaro with her entire entourage for tea if I don’t.

“Stefan will come with us,” Laurel adds reassuringly. “We won’t go past the gate.”

“Very well.” His voice is even, but his gaze is hard as he looks at me. “Take your sword.”