Lorien POV

“Auren is busy,” I said evenly as I walked past him toward the dining room, keeping my eyes locked on his. Just before I moved out of reach, I couldn’t resist narrowing my gaze and muttering, “Your collar’s crooked.”

His expression softened, and I caught the subtle twitch of amusement threatening his lips. Still, he slipped free of Lysandra’s grasp and followed after me.

It felt good empowering, even.

If he’d been wearing a tie, I might’ve grabbed it and used it ...