SAGE
But the royal family was more stunned by Darius and I's seemingly good relationship, more than my smart mouth. Very evident, when I smirked at my next contestant and winked at him in the same vein, when he laughed and leaned toward me as if wanting to whisper.
Nothing was whispered, but the royals wouldn't know it. They were probably thinking we were clothing our words from their ears with magic.
If I had known our little greeting would stir the entire royal family into silence, I might have done it sooner. The looks on their faces now—shock, disbelief, and a pinch of fear—were almost too delicious to resist.
I leaned back slightly, watching them through lowered lashes, my lips curving into the faintest smile. They didn't know what to make of me and Darius laughing like old friends. Perfect. Let them stew in their confusion.
