Marcus's gaze returned to the empty chair and his mood improved immediately.
'Perhaps Phei had interfered; perhaps something inside Anarctica had gone catastrophically wrong.' Perhaps Danton had finally encountered one of those ancient monsters powerful men occasionally discovered after becoming arrogant enough to believe nothing stronger remained nearby.
Marcus did not particularly care which explanation proved true.
He merely wanted Danton to return wearing failure.
"I've been thinking," Marcus said.
Elliot closed his eyes briefly. "That rarely improves my mornings."
"What color do you think humiliation would look like on Danton?"
The Lord looked at Marcus.
Marcus ignored him with admirable courage for approximately one heartbeat before continuing. "I've never seen it on him. I think it might suit him."
Elliot stared at his son as though deciding whether throwing the glass at him would make the morning better.
