Talek lost control of his thoughts for a moment. The question, no, the accusation, landed with a strength he hadn't expected from the serene hush of their garden walk.
"Your Grace?" he asked, uncertain, his voice filled with confusion.
Alpheo's face remained calm, but the heat in his gaze deepened."I do not like to repeat myself."
There was no bite in the words, but neither was there room to maneuver. Talek's brows furrowed, his lips parting as if to speak again, but nothing came out. His silence prompted Alpheo to continue, though when he did, it was with something like reluctance. Not irritation, but disappointment, as though he'd hoped the young lord would have realized on his own.
