"Father," Liam said awkwardly with a pained expression on his face. "I have a letter for you. I can discuss it with you and Mother, and then we can decide who else…"
"Liam, I'm disappointed," Loghlan interrupted. "I've taught you better than this," he said, scowling at his son. "Unless we are compelled to do so, we don't keep secrets from the people who rule in our place. Remind me why that is, Liam."
"I know what you're saying, Father," Liam said, clenching his fists under the table. Any other time, he would even agree with his father. "A man who swims in secrets must struggle alone, and alone a man cannot rule wisely," Liam quoted. "But this is different, Father. Her Dominion is extending considerable trust to us for me to come here tonight and…"
