Page 58 of Daman

“If I doubted you, I wouldn’t have arranged your marriage. I’m only voicing concerns. Our army is strong. You both will make it even stronger. Ensure we don’t lose when the wardoesbegin.” Nikolai snuffed out his cigar and stood. “Dinner should be ready now. Let’s head to the dining chamber.”

I couldn’t blame the king for having reservations. But it still pissed me off a little. Not that it took much to get me riled up.

Kira, Milena, and the three princes joined us at the table. Feliks, the next in line to the throne, radiated pompous-asshole energy. Oozed it. His smug smile and the judging gleam in his eyes as Warrin and I sat down pissed me off.

“Did you finally manage to sheath your sword last night, Uncle?” Feliks asked before sipping his wine. “Or did you not know where to put it?”

Warrin stared at his plate. Said nothing.

“Feliks,” Nikolai chided him. “Don’t say such vulgar things in front of your mother and sister.”

“It was an honest question.”

Viktor scoffed. “There’s not an honest bone in your body.”

“Careful, brother,” Feliks told him. “I’ll be king someday. And what will you be again? A foot soldier inmyarmy?”

“Enough,” Kira snapped, cutting her eyes at the eldest of her sons. “You will show respect when at this table, or you can see yourself out.”

“Apologies, Mother.” Yet, Feliks didn’t look that sorry about it, given the smirk he shot at his youngest brother.

Kazimir, the middle son, sat quietly as they bickered. He was probably used to it and learned to shut up when they went at each other.

Milena rolled her eyes at her brothers before looking at me. “I heard you’re an artist. I am too! Maybe we can show each other our work sometime.”

“Sure,” I said, a bit taken off guard. “My art is kind of dark though. Sometimes gory.”

She snorted. “I might be a princess, but I’m far from a girly girl. Bring on the blood and guts.”

“Mila,” Kira said, raising her brows with her warning tone. “Not at the dinner table.”

Nikolai pressed his lips together. To keep from smiling, maybe? I definitely got the sense that Milena was more of a Daddy’s girl.

“Daman,” Feliks said halfway through the meal. He took a bite of the beef stroganoff and studied me as he chewed. “You Nephilim are supposed to be protectors of mankind? I have to admit, none of you seem to be the selfless type. To be frank, I find it hard to believe any of you possess any great power either. With the exception of the big male with the gray eyes.”

“Galen is the strongest of us,” I said, and Envy growled about it. “But don’t be fooled by appearances. I could kick your ass with one hand tied behind my back.”

“Is that a threat?” Feliks glared.

“You’re the one who questioned my strength. I was only setting you straight.”

“You may be part of this family now, but don’t forget who I am, Nephilim.”

Warrin stilled beside me, and shivers passed over my skin as I looked at him. With his hard gaze directed at Feliks, he clenched his hand so tight his knuckles turned white.

I’d never seen him look so angry before.

“Okay. That’s enough.” Nikolai gave a stern look to his son. “Let’s refrain from discussing such matters over dinner. Kira, darling, how’s the newest design coming along?”

The meal didn’t last much longer. Thankfully. I didn’t know how much more of Feliks I could handle without popping him in the jaw at least one good time. He exited the dining room ahead of everyone else, and Kazimir followed close behind him.

“Forgive my son,” Nikolai told me. “He can be argumentative at times. And uncouth. He’s a good man beneath it all.” Hard to imagine that being true, but whatever. “Are you heading home now?”

“Yes,” Warrin answered. “Thank you for the dinner invitation.”

“You’ll have to come again soon.”

“We will.” Warrin tipped his head to him before guiding me from the room.