Evrain’s eyes bulged with disbelief and anger. “He is not here to speak or to entertain. He is here to observe and to serve. I will hear of no such thing.” Evrain set his jaw resolutely, as if to say there would be no budging him from that position.
Before I could cast a sidelong glance her way, Octavia had already risen and taken hold of a pitcher of wine. She sauntered over to Evrain’s side and bent down to his level.
“My good lord, surely you will allow the boy to tell one simple tale.” She batted her eyes flirtatiously as the liquid flowed into his cup. “What harm can it do? If he is truly as in need of learning as you say, his speech can only magnify the splendor of your own. Besides”—she bent lower, giving everyone at the table an unobstructed view of her cleavage—“it will give you
