Serena pressed her lips into a thin line. It was pin-drop silent, everyone seemed far more invested in what sat on their plates than in exchanging pleasantries.
Serena shifted in her seat, which made Livia look at her, her eyes narrowing. Darius cleared his throat and uncovered his food.
"I asked the cook to prepare Blackfang roast," he announced, as if that alone would ease the tension at the table.
Serena caught Livia rolling her eyes as she uncovered the bowl of steaming soup.
"Oh, please," Livia muttered, unfolding her napkin and placing it neatly across her lap. "I would appreciate it if you didn't treat me like a pup."
Serena held her spoon, silently scooping up the vegetables and broth into her mouth.
"I'm not," Darius said sternly.
"Then you both would stop pretending like I'm not aware of the lie you've decided to spin."
The silence stretched on and on, and Serena decided to speak.
"Livia," she began.
Livia kept her gaze forward, chewing slowly.
