The obsidian Ring
They were courteous words, well said—though with an uncertainty neither the King nor Natasha was quite able to read. Amusement? Irony? A joke? Something, it flashed for only an instant in the air before they both let it go.
And then, after the pause had settled, Leon abruptly cleared his throat and spoke, "Ah, I apologize, Your Majesty."
The King's cold stare cut to him, brows furrowing in puzzlement. "What are you apologizing for, Duke?"
Leon's gaze met the King's cold, questioning stare with unruffled smile, a brief, inscrutable smile pulling at his lips. "Your Majesty, I had brought you a gift. but in the commotion of my greeting and our discussion, I seem to have left it behind. Forgive me.
The King and Natasha did not say a word, but their eyes narrowed infinitesimally, suspicion for the space of a heartbeat—though the King did not so much as flinch towards looking away.
