Chapter 68: Of Art, Honesty, and Something Sweet
Duke Valenridge turned.
His expression, which had been carrying the mild contentment of a man eating well in pleasant company, shifted immediately into something considerably more animated.
A wide smile spread across his face, but it was as fake as his respect for the royal family.
"Lucian," he said.
Then his gaze moved to the figure beside Lucian.
"And the best artist present among us," he added.
Baron Redwick, who had been walking beside Lucian with his usual composed bearing, stopped.
A faint colour rose along the line of his jaw.
He reached up and adjusted his spectacles.
Then, with the instinctive correctness of a man whose manners operated independently of his composure, he bowed.
The Duke waved his hand.
"None of that," he said. "I am not the King. There is no need to bow at a refreshment table."
The Baron straightened, the faint colour still present.
