Looking from her cousins to her uncles, Anice hesitated. When given an encouraging look from her father, she excused herself and then hurried out of the dining hall to catch up with Lessa, though not before sending Alistar a worried glance.
You don't have to look so guilty, he thought, feeling a sudden rush of adrenaline as he anticipated the reason for his uncle's words. Noticing that his breathing was beginning to pick up, he quelled his mind with silent meditations and sat quietly as the servants began to clear the table.
Antoine had yet to return to his seat, his left hand resting on the pommel of his sword in what was clearly a habitual manner. "Caedmon, let's retire to your study for a time. There's something I've been meaning to talk about."
Caedmon nodded, his expression reserved. As he and Daniel stood up in preparation to leave the dining hall, their elder brother cast a cursory glance down the table.
"Alistar, was it? You come along as well."
"Yes, sir."
