Bonesplinter Ravine [M] Viva La Vida

Herod stilled, his imposing frame rigid as his brows drew together in displeasure at the unexpected interruption. A shadow of suspicion clouded his gaze, and his golden eyes sharpened, watching the boy with a wariness that crept into every taut muscle.

As Hasdrubal poured the wine into individual bowls, Herod’s gaze narrowed, glinting with an acute scrutiny. What could be the meaning of this gesture? An attempt to stall? His piercing eyes flicked toward the edge of the treeline, their keen gaze scouring the shadows before drifting back to the boy. But, no… that could not be the answer. There was no one for him to wait for—no hidden ally among the darkened boughs.

Could it be poison, then? Herod's paws tightened ever so slightly, a hint of tension in his stance. But even that thought fell away as he assessed the scene with the cold clarity of a seasoned mind. The wine, after all, had been poured from a single vessel, one which he himself had supervised. Hasdrubal may have no qualms against killing Joanna, but he would never bear the thought of harm coming to himself. That would be the one line he dared not cross.

And yet… Herod would take no chances. His keen gaze bore into the boy’s, unyielding and commanding, waiting, demanding proof of loyalty, of obedience—or perhaps, of betrayal. With a faintly imperious tilt of his head, he settled back, his silence a command of its own.

He would wait, then, for the boy to lift the glass to his own lips, to taste first of the offering.