Easton trudged through the hallways of Aurora Palace, each step as heavy as his mood. If a storm cloud could manifest over a person's head, Easton would be the living, brooding embodiment.
"Back so soon from your romantic escapade?" chimed a voice, dripping with playful annoyance.
Easton didn't even bother looking up. "I am not in the mood, Thea," he snapped, his tone as sharp as a knife.
Althea gracefully pushed off the wall she'd been leaning against, gliding to his side with an infuriatingly smug grin. "What's the matter, dear brother? Did your precious fiancée send you back?"
He shot her a withering glare. "How did you know I went to see Iyana?"
"Do you think things like this stay secret? That too, in this palace?" Althea laughed, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "Everyone has been gossiping about it all day."
Easton groaned. "Of course, gossiping appears to be their full-time job."
