Liam's laughter lasted longer than Arik considered appropriate.
"For a week," Liam repeated, one hand braced against the edge of Arik's desk. "He was practically arranging himself in your line of sight."
Arik stared at him.
"I was busy."
"I noticed."
"There is an election being organized, I am rebuilding my direct office, parliament has discovered twelve different ways to object to regulations they have not even read properly, and every noble family in Deira appears convinced I desperately require one of their relatives on my staff."
Liam pressed his lips together.
Arik narrowed his eyes.
"Do not laugh again."
"I am trying."
Arik turned away from him and looked toward the door Silas had disappeared through.
The irritation that had filled him moments earlier shifted.
Something did not fit.
Liam noticed almost immediately.
His amusement faded as he straightened.
"What?"
Arik did not answer.
