The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(15)

Riley winked at Rayner before he took his seat beside Khalon. The prince was a quick learner. If there was one thing Pavoni despised, it was being made a fool of. He had asked Riley to dance in order to vex Khalon, but in turn, it was he who ended up aggravated.

“Your prince is quite the dancer,” Pavoni said through panting breaths. He pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and dabbed his brow. He cleared his throat before resuming his seat. “Must be exhilarating to have a mate so young and full of vigor. I hear he’s not even half a century old. He’s the youngest Soldati prince to date.” His gaze raked over Riley while Riley stood removing his cape to drape it over the back of his throne. He was brazenly eyeing Riley’s backside.

Thankfully Khalon hadn’t noticed. He’d stood, allowing Riley to sit first out of respect for his prince. He placed Riley’s hand to his lips for a kiss. When Pavoni met Rayner’s gaze, Rayner made certain the bastard was aware Rayner was watching him.

“Tell me, King Pavoni,” Riley said sweetly. “Do you always talk about someone as if they’re not present? Because I’m right here. You can speak directly to me if you have a question.” He arched an eyebrow. “Do you have a question?”

Pavoni grinned. He turned to Khalon. “He must be a spitfire to keep up with in bed.”

Khalon squeezed the armrest of his throne, his knuckles white. When he spoke, it was through gritted teeth. “That is highly inappropriate.”

“Of course. Forgive me. I forget how stuffy you Soldati are.” Pavoni chuckled, and Rayner wished he could plant a fist in the smug bastard’s face.

The banquet continued, and soon it was time to dine. The tables were set up before their thrones, the servants moving swiftly and efficiently. The décor was stunning, in black and gold, Khalon’s royal colors. The food soon came out, and thankfully Pavoni was too distracted by the delicious meal to speak much.

Throughout the evening, Pavoni continued to try their patience, whether it was making snide remarks about other monarchs in neighboring realms, criticizing Khalon’s rule in the guise of “friendly advice,” or making inappropriate comments. Rayner could see Khalon’s patience dwindling, but Rayner had to give his friend credit. Khalon was determined not to lose his composure. Rayner was certain that was down to Riley.

After their meal, once the tables were removed, Riley stood. “Will you excuse me? I have to visit the little prince’s room.”

Pavoni arched an eyebrow at him. “The what?”

“The potty. Restroom.”

Pavoni’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t know what that is.”

“Where you take a piss.”

Khalon almost choked on his drink. Riley patted his back, and when it was clear Khalon wasn’t drowning in his wine, Riley kissed his cheek. “I’ll be back.”

“I’ll accompany you,” Pavoni said, getting up.

Khalon frowned. “Why would he need an escort?”

“Your home is currently filled with dozens of guests unknown to you. It’s merely a precaution.”

There was no reason for Pavoni to insist on escorting Riley in his own home, other than wanting to be alone with him. Khalon narrowed his eyes at Pavoni. “Are you suggesting someone in your court may pose a threat to my prince?”

Pavoni bristled. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m simply—”

“It’s okay,” Riley said pleasantly. “Toka will come with me.”

“Such beauty should be accompanied,” Pavoni insisted once again. “You never know what lurks in the shadows.”

Khalon stood and turned to Pavoni. “Your concern for my prince is commendable, and noted. Rayner can accompany them while you tell me more about your soldiers. I hear your army has grown since last I visited your kingdom.”

Pavoni preened at having his ego stroked, and he quickly took a seat, followed by Khalon. “You’ve heard right.” As Pavoni went on to boast about his army, Rayner walked alongside Riley with Toka close behind them. As they left the banquet hall, Rayner leaned in to Riley.

“You don’t really need to use the washroom, do you?”

When they were far enough down the corridor and away from guests chatting outside the banquet hall, Riley turned to Rayner. “Oh my God, I had to get away from that guy before I lost it. I’ve never met anyone I wanted to punch so badly in my life!” Riley paced, working through his frustration. “I don’t know how Khalon does it. I mean, I can see how hard he’s trying not to rip the guy’s head off. He’s disgusting. Not only is he full of himself, but the way he talks about the servants, the way he looks at them.” Riley shivered with revulsion. “I feel like I need a shower to wash all the gross off.”

Rayner smiled in sympathy. “I know. He’ll be gone soon enough.”

“I hate that we have to put up with his bullshit.” Riley stopped pacing, and turned to him, his brows drawn together in worry. “I can’t believe we have to associate ourselves with this guy. How can one man’s ego be so out of control that he’d risk the obliteration of an entire world just to get his way?”

Riley’s genuine distress concerned Rayner. “I’m sorry, Riley.” He placed his hand on Riley’s shoulder. “This is clearly upsetting you. Perhaps tonight, before you and Khalon go to bed, when you’re in your bedchamber together, you should speak to Khalon. Make your concerns known to him.”