"Yes, I cheated,"
Lugh began.
"But—can you explain how exactly I cheated?"
Everyone stared at him, thinking for a moment.
They didn't rush to a decision. They were nobles, after all—conditioned and trained to see beneath the surface of every encounter and event.
After a while, nobody said anything. Then Lirienne spoke.
"I don't think you cheated."
Lugh glanced at her briefly, then turned to the rest.
"Who agrees with her?"
By now, Marcus had already shrugged off the lingering pain and was rising unsteadily to his feet. He slipped his clothes back on.
He could've changed into a fresh one, but he didn't want to be the only one dressed differently from the agreed-upon theme.
It was a lucky thing that the fabric was mostly black—only a small patch of blood was visible.
He spoke.
"I also don't think you cheated. The rules were laid out clearly and concisely. It was my fault for not thinking ahead."
Lugh remained silent for a moment and glanced at the rest of them.
