Chapter 117

"I haven't seen you looking so spruce since Lord Triton retired to his estate," Hebaron remarked, grinning.

Riftan had just trudged out to the corridor, brow furrowed as he undid the coat buttons covering his throat. These days, with no one around to criticize his attire, he had stopped wearing such gaudy clothes.

That was not the case tonight. After King Reuben insisted he dress for the occasion, Riftan had donned the uniform of his order and a gold, jewel-encrusted belt. He scowled as he touched his thigh-length, black velvet coat. As if that were not enough, the darn squire had polished his boots until they practically sparkled.

Should I be grateful he didn't try to make me wear those ridiculous pointed shoes?

Gritting his teeth, he said, "The king made it clear that I am not to besmirch his name, and I didn't want to waste my breath arguing about something so pointless."