Lady Belin did not speak until they reached the windows.
The music was softer there. The voices behind them blurred into one another, polite laughter and polished words passing over wine and silk. Azrayel stood beside her with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed on the hall as though he were merely enduring another court duty.
Lady Belin had never been fooled by him.
"You are being careless," she said.
"With what?"
"With her."
His eyes moved to her. "I do not know what you mean."
Lady Belin met the look without flinching. Most people lowered their eyes when he looked at them that way. She only leaned a little more heavily on her cane, her mouth tightening as if he had disappointed her rather than frightened her.
"Do not try that with me," she said. "I held your hand when thunder used to send you under the table."
His jaw tightened.
