Darling ground his teeth as another wave of fury ripped through him. “I’m still pissed.”

Zarya winked at him. “Trust me. I know the feeling.”

“Yes, she does,” Maris concurred. “We all had to stop her from storming the session earlier.”

Darling’s frown deepened. “What do you mean?”

Zarya gave him a mischievous nose crinkle. “Syn hacked the security feed so that we could check up on you. I don’t know how you stayed so calm. I commend you for it. It was extremely impressive.”

Not really. It amazed him that they were all so stunned by his behavior. It wasn’t like he was Hauk, and prone to ripping people’s arms off whenever they upset him.

His ascension to power notwithstanding, he’d always been levelheaded and calm.

“Yeah, well, when you spend your entire life being insulted, you get desensitized to it. I don’t think Arturo ever used my real name. After a while, it gets boring and you learn not to pay attention to it. As for the gerents, I’d have to care about their opinions where I’m concerned in order for them to hurt me. Since I couldn’t care less… Let them make themselves giddy with their own stupidity. I’ve got better things to worry about.”

“I was still impressed by your demeanor and composure.” She gave him a very light push. “Now go, before you cause another scandal.”

He dipped his gaze down the cleft of her breasts that swelled over the top of her dress. Yeah, he’d much rather be naked with her in his bed than deal with a bunch of egotistical assholes.

“I wouldn’t mind causing one with you,” he whispered in her ear.

She kissed his cheek again. “Go on. Get out of here.”

He gave her a courtly bow before he took his leave.

Still seething, Darling went back into the main dining room.

Glancing at Caillen, Drake, and Nykyrian, an idea hit him. He approached the three of them with a wry twist to his lips. “Ready to start some shit?”

“Depends on the shit,” Drake said.

Caillen grinned evilly. “Point me to the toilet, and let me in.”

Nykyrian ignored that comment since it was vintage Caillen, who loved nothing more than messing with the heads of the aristocracy, and irritating everyone around him. “What’s the plan?”

Darling took a step back. “Follow me. I know a way to rectify the slap I’ve just been given, and deliver one right back.” He motioned one of the passing servants over.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” she said respectfully, bowing before him.

He put on his kindest, most regal tone. “It has come to my attention that we’re two places short at the table tonight. Princes Nykyrian and Caillen have graciously offered to make room by having their seats moved closer to their wives. Likewise, I am more than content to share my space with both the Grand Marleena and Lord Maris. I would deeply appreciate it, and would consider it a personal favor, if you would accommodate us.”