Adam let out another short laugh, more amused than angry now, and shook his head as if the world had personally pranked him.
"That's…" Adam searched for the right insult and landed on something worse. "That's almost impressive."
Max's eyes flicked. "Almost?"
Adam's gaze narrowed, faintly insulted now, like he'd just realized he'd been underestimated in a new way. "Yes, almost. Because it means you've been keeping secrets from me at an Olympic level."
Max's tone stayed calm. "It's not a secret to the palace."
Adam's smile sharpened. "It's a secret to your marked omega."
Max went very still at the phrasing.
Adam noticed, and his expression turned into something faintly pleased with itself.
Then he waved a hand, dismissing the satisfaction before it became vulnerable. "Also," Adam added, eyes scanning Max again like he was reevaluating a person he'd already catalogued, "I'm mildly offended you thought telling me would make me faint."
