Vivienne had stopped pretending she wanted peace.
She still smiled whenever she saw me, and she still offered polite greetings when other nobles were watching, but something had changed beneath the surface. She had become bolder, more deliberate, and far more determined to place herself beside Draven whenever she had the opportunity.
I noticed it immediately at the royal feast. The great dining hall had been decorated for visiting Dragon Lords, and hundreds of candles burned along the walls while musicians played near the far end of the chamber. Long tables filled the room, and servants moved between them carrying roasted meats, fresh bread, fruit, and goblets of wine.
I sat beside Draven at the head table and for once, I felt comfortable there and then Vivienne walked into the hall.
S
