It felt a bit hypocritical to be lecturing someone about breaking Sidonie’s heart whilst he stood accused of the same, so he refrained from joining in. In truth, the disruption was welcome even if the reason behind it was not. He had been there the last time the apprentice came back with bruises and to his credit he would have recognized the boy by now even without the introduction. This time he did get to his feet, which was something of another slight to Lord Viorel, but not one that was likely to be remarked upon.
He didn’t know Master Salicar by name without the words helpfully given to him, but he remembered them now, and greeted him with every ounce of proper formality he had denied the last arrival. Such minor, petty tactics were the least of anyone’s worries here, even if they were coming from a man in Mikino’s position. “See to it.”
He gave every illusion of tiring of all the talking. Reihana surely knew better. Mikino loved his words. This was his favorite game. It always had been. He could sit or strut about and play it all day if not for other duties calling him away. There were plenty who were of the opinion that he had too much official power, but they ought to have been grateful he hadn’t more time on his hands. Days like this one were a dangerous thing.
The mystery of that great staff deepened, and he wondered now just who was mistreating Jeffrey so—he may be inclined to take a hand in that matter himself. But not here and now.
“Well,” he turned, and Eoin may well have missed those moments when he was sitting idly and displaying nothing of that height, enhanced by those brilliant wings, “At least you are no longer outnumbered, hm?”