Nathaniel's deep understanding of Eva allowed him the clarity to halt his bickering with Warren once her own Spanish proverb had been spoken. She'd skillfully put Angel in his place and Nate was grateful, although only a battle in their everlasting war.
Caltrops had settled into his chair, ready to enjoy and exchange lingering glances from across the table with Eva while he used his deft verbiage to land Loki into as many awkward positions as possible. Then the Queen tossed a curve ball toward Nate and his spawn. The surprise was shown most in his eyes, his public face had remained cool and neutral. After a moment to register and Brayden's audible confusion, Nathaniel gently spurred his son to stand. Once Brayden obeyed, Nathaniel addressed the boy with his eyes still transfixed on Eva. "Tell the King and Queen that we are honored and humbly accept," he instructed and his son parroted with a hint of nervous energy in his voice. Nathaniel then stood from the table and bowed slightly toward the royal couple. "We shall not disappoint you, your majesties," he added with confidence.
Warren politely refrained from stepping on any toes during the Zales' lovely moment. Mostly for Brayden's sake. He smiled, thinly, while his cousins accepted the honor and began to do a series of royal math. Did this mean Nathaniel outranked him? He'd need to confirm that with Eva, later.
"Congratulations," Thor clapped Nathaniel on the back hard enough to force the man of stone to sway slightly. "Eva has chosen well," the Allfather added, and his eyes flashed toward Loki for a moment, sure that his much too clever for his own good brother was silent for a reason. Thor had no problem adding fuel to his fire, especially when the king was more in the loop on something than Loki was. For the first time ever. "And you," he shifted toward Brayden and grinned wider than seemed possible. "The time spent as Vaepner is one of the most exciting times in a young man's life," Thor remembered his squire-dom fondly, even though his royal privilege had afforded him a slightly different experience. And who didn't love shoveling horse excrement all day?
"Thank you, Eva," Nathaniel told her, purposely used her name instead of a title. From across the table, Nathaniel's magical spirit enveloped her in a tender hug. While he'd never admit it, the notion of a title and standing was extremely rewarding to the wizard. "I'm momentarily speechless, but it won't last," he assured her.
"Unfortunately," Warren added, then quickly sipped his wine.