Maris folded his arms over his chest. “Baby, you’re overreacting.”
Darling started to protest, but Zarya cupped his face in her hand and stood up on her tiptoes to nibble his jaw. Yeah, that made his thoughts scatter to the point he could barely remember his own name. His knees went weak and he lost all resistance to her.
Then she whispered in his ear. “You were magnificent tonight. Don’t ruin what you’ve achieved with something that’s as trivial as their pettiness. Besides, I like it here with Mari. He’s highly entertaining.”
At the moment, the only thing he wanted was to find a bed.
Or a closet.
But she wasn’t some crass prostitute selling her body for drugs. She was a high-born lady who was going to be his consort. He wouldn’t treat her that way. And by the gods, he wouldn’t let anyone else either. “They’ve insulted two of the people I value and love most in this universe. Would you really have me forgive that?”
“Yes, I would.” She gently pushed him back a step. “Go on in there and don’t worry about us.”
He debated what course of action he should take. On the one hand, he wanted to break someone’s ass. On the other, he knew Zarya and Maris were right. No one would remember why he left the meeting tonight. They’d only remember that he’d turned his back on his gerents and insulted them.
“We’re really fine,” Maris said, reiterating her stance. “They did us a favor with this. We’re having a great time out here.”
Darling ground his teeth as another wave of fury ripped through him. “I’m still pissed.”
Zarya winked at him. “Trust me. I know the feeling.”
“Yes, she does,” Maris concurred. “We all had to stop her from storming the session earlier.”
Darling’s frown deepened. “What do you mean?”
Zarya gave him a mischievous nose crinkle. “Syn hacked the security feed so that we could check up on you. I don’t know how you stayed so calm. I commend you for it. It was extremely impressive.”
Not really. It amazed him that they were all so stunned by his behavior. It wasn’t like he was Hauk, and prone to ripping people’s arms off whenever they upset him.
His ascension to power notwithstanding, he’d always been levelheaded and calm.
“Yeah, well, when you spend your entire life being insulted, you get desensitized to it. I don’t think Arturo ever used my real name. After a while, it gets boring and you learn not to pay attention to it. As for the gerents, I’d have to care about their opinions where I’m concerned in order for them to hurt me. Since I couldn’t care less… Let them make themselves giddy with their own stupidity. I’ve got better things to worry about.”
“I was still impressed by your demeanor and composure.” She gave him a very light push. “Now go, before you cause another scandal.”
He dipped his gaze down the cleft of her breasts that swelled over the top of her dress. Yeah, he’d much rather be naked with her in his bed than deal with a bunch of egotistical assholes.
“I wouldn’t mind causing one with you,” he whispered in her ear.
She kissed his cheek again. “Go on. Get out of here.”
He gave her a courtly bow before he took his leave.
Still seething, Darling went back into the main dining room.
Glancing at Caillen, Drake, and Nykyrian, an idea hit him. He approached the three of them with a wry twist to his lips. “Ready to start some shit?”
“Depends on the shit,” Drake said.
Caillen grinned evilly. “Point me to the toilet, and let me in.”
Nykyrian ignored that comment since it was vintage Caillen, who loved nothing more than messing with the heads of the aristocracy, and irritating everyone around him. “What’s the plan?”
Darling took a step back. “Follow me. I know a way to rectify the slap I’ve just been given, and deliver one right back.” He motioned one of the passing servants over.
“Yes, Your Majesty,” she said respectfully, bowing before him.
He put on his kindest, most regal tone. “It has come to my attention that we’re two places short at the table tonight. Princes Nykyrian and Caillen have graciously offered to make room by having their seats moved closer to their wives. Likewise, I am more than content to share my space with both the Grand Marleena and Lord Maris. I would deeply appreciate it, and would consider it a personal favor, if you would accommodate us.”
The woman beamed in joy at being able to help the governor. “Absolutely, Your Majesty. It would be my deepest honor.” She rushed to it.
Nykyrian gave a low laugh. “You are evil. I love it.”
Desideria and Kiara approached them with reservation.
Kiara scowled at her husband. “It positively scares me whenever you laugh in public. What did we miss and what has all of you huddled here?”
Nykyrian indicated Darling with a tilt of his head. “Our boy there just firebombed our hostess.”