Theodore’s lip curls. He looks at Astra the way someone might look at a stray dog that has wandered into a banquet hall.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty,” the title drips with condescension as he looks down his nose at her, “the only reason that common soldier was able to climb the ranks to be the Queen’s guard is because of her friendship with you.” He pauses, his smile turning cruel. “We all know you have a…fondness for elevating those of lowly birth. Perhaps it reminds you of your own humble beginnings.”
The temperature in the room drops.
Lucian doesn’t move. Doesn’t straighten from his lounging position. But something shifts in the air around him, dark and dangerous, raising the hair on the back of my neck.
“It seems,” Lucian says softly, his voice like silk over steel, “that you don’t want to keep your tongue any longer, Lord Theodore.”
Theodore’s face pales.
“Because why else,” Lucian continues, still in that same deadly quiet tone, “would you attempt to insult my mate?”
“Th–that was not my intention, Your Majesty,” Theodore stammers, some of his arrogance crumbling. “I merely meant to point out—”
“You should remember where you are,” Lucian interrupts him, a faint amber glow in his gaze. “Or I will have no problem leaving you unable to speak. Permanently.”
Theodore swallows hard, his throat working. For a moment, he looks genuinely afraid. Then, he turns his attention back to me, and the fear is replaced by malice.
“Regardless,” he says, his voice not quite steady, “we are here to discuss the attack on my daughter. Daciana claims wolfsbane was used on her, but there is no evidence to support this.”
“And where is the evidence that your mate saw Daciana in your daughter’s room?” Kieran’s voice is calm, almost pleasant. But steel lies beneath it.
Theodore sneers. “I am from a noble family. Our word cannot be questioned.”
Kieran tilts his head, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. It doesn’t reach his eyes.
“So, if you were to say you saw Queen Astra exiting your daughter’s room, we’re supposed to believe that, as well?”
“Of course not—”
“That’s what it sounds like,” Kieran cuts him off smoothly. “It is surprising to me that the noble families are above the law. At least, that is what it looks like, from how this complaint is being presented.”
He shifts his stance, moving slightly in front of me. The gesture is subtle, but unmistakable. Protective.
“In any case,” Kieran says, hardening, “Daciana is my mate. My fated mate. And I am not going to tolerate anyone pinning the blame for this supposed attack on her.”
My heart stutters. Our bond flares, bright and warm.
“I have witnesses,” Kieran continues, “regarding your daughter’s use of wolfsbane on Daciana.”
“I doubt their credibility,” Theodore sneers.
Kieran takes another step forward. It’s not a large movement, but something about it makes Theodore take an involuntary step back.
“Do you doubt my credibility?” Kieran asks softly. “Because I witnessed the attack.”
The throne room goes silent.
“Unless you want to start a war with my pack, Lord Theodore,” Kieran says, nothing pleasant in his tone now, “do not point your finger at my mate.”
He pauses, letting the words sink in.
“Besides, Daciana would have no reason to harm your daughter. I made it clear to Celeste, in Daciana’s presence, that I had no interest in her.”
Theodore bristles, his face flushing red. “You—”
“Your daughter is as useful as a flower in a garden, Lord Theodore.” Kieran’s smile is cold and sharp. “I have no interest in useless things.”
