Then an ominous feeling hit her. Her eyes darted to the chatty little prince across from her who was trying to win her grandma's heart even when everyone in the room knew he didn't need to.
"Was it you behind that news, Maxen?" Olivia asked, holding her dessert spoon mid-air as she raised her question. Her voice was low, almost a whisper, but the hint of accusation was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Heads snapped from Olivia's direction then to Maxen, then back to Olivia.
Maxen took the napkin on his lap, wiping the corners of his mouth. His eyes, blue as a clear sky momentarily darkened like the Cerulean Sea, piercing at Olivia's narrowed hazel ones.
"If you'll excuse us. Olivia and I need to talk. Privately," Maxen said, his eyes never left Olivia's.
King Alistair grunted his reply, while the rest pursed their lips into a thin line. It was Maxen's cue to stand up, rounding the long table to walk where Olivia was seated.
