Halfway through the reading, Julian slid into place just behind Gabriel, a little out of breath and clearly aware he was late.
He murmured softly, "I brought you a handkerchief in case you cry."
Gabriel didn't turn. "If I cry, Julian, it'll be from violent rage. And if I use that handkerchief, it'll be to gag the next diplomat who says I must be proud."
"Ah," Julian said, calmly producing a silver-stitched square. "Lace it is."
Gabriel tilted his head back, eyes half-lidded as Anya gave her speech—some trite, watered-down fiction about duty and new beginnings.
"Where is the favorite cousin of the day? Shouldn't Max be here, not me?"
Alexandra didn't even blink. "Max faked a fever and fled to the Claymore estate. Christian was conveniently 'overwhelmed with academy schedules,' and Sofia's out of the capital visiting Crista's summer villa."
Irina added under her breath, "Which leaves you. The legally tethered symbol of unity."
