"Hmm." I bite my lip as I glance down at the menu. They have an assortment of fruits that I'm not familiar with, but there are also a few flavors that I know well. "This." I point to the mint caramel one.

"Then that is what I shall have," he declares, pushing his menu aside.

"Are you sure?" I raise my brows. "You don't have to get it just because I like it."

"If you like it, I will like it," he states, ending the conversation as he raises his hand and beckons the waitress to our table, barking out the order succinctly.

The waitress keeps her distance, swallowing hard as she scribbles down our order. She doesn't linger as she turns her back to us, disappearing toward the kitchen.

"Why are people so rude around here?" I ask him in a low voice.

His features tighten.

"I suppose it is my presence that makes them that way."

"What do you mean?"

He purses his lips.

"Do not concern yourself with that. You are here to enjoy yourself and you will enjoy yourself," he comments, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest.

I blink repeatedly, taken aback by the vehemence in his voice.

"All right," I murmur, settling more comfortably in my chair. "Are you worried about Elora's threat? She's the king's daughter, isn't she?"

Ze grunts.

"She is his youngest daughter. I believe she is around Arwyn's age. It is my understanding she will have her debut at the end of the year."

"She seemed...difficult."

He shrugs.

"I do not like the king or his family. I have no doubt she will complain about me and in turn the king will have a reason to make it more difficult for me to gain access to the temple. Which is why I shall require your assistance."

"You anticipate that it will be that difficult?"

"It is a calculated guess. There is not one king among the fourteen Houses that bears me any affection. They see me as a threat."

"But surely that's more reason to try to be nicer to you?" I ask.

The corner of his mouth curls up.

"The politics of this world are...different. There are factions within the Houses, just as there are factions within the Supremes. Although...they all have one thing in common," he pauses, amusement playing at his lips.

I raise my brows in question.

"They all hate me." He releases a dry laugh—one that doesn't quite reach his eyes.

"W-what? Even the Supremes?"

"I am a necessary evil. Or so I am told." He shrugs.

"But why would you follow the rules of someone who hates you? Someone who only tolerates you for your abilities?" I frown.

He tilts his head to the side, thoughtfully considering my question.

"Because I do not know otherwise," he answers quietly.

My eyes slowly widen as the meaning of his words sinks in.