What is that all about?
Lord Stuart came out of the dining room with contempt etched on his face. “You’re early,” he said, like it was a crime.
What a nice way to greet your family.
Lady Nadine held her smile like a shield. “The girls were excited to get here.”
“You should have gone to the guest house.”
“They would have missed lunch,” Damien argued.
Lord Stuart noticed Evelyn tucked at Damien’s side and sneered. “Tell me, Princess, do you plan on being that friendly with all of the Royal Army or just the officers?”
That was exactly the wrong thing to say after what happened this morning. But Lord Stuart probably knows that.
Damien drew his sword. A heartbeat later, Rory and Simon did the same.
Lord Stuart grinned like it was a game he was winning. “Did I say something wrong?”
Desirée had already retreated behind the guards, and Nicolas was slowly backing Daphne away.
“Damien!” his mother hissed. “Put your sword down before you get somebody killed!”
“That’s the whole point,” Damien growled, his unblinking stare focused on his father.
It was Lord Stuart’s complete lack of concern that infuriated Evelyn even more than the insult.
He thinks he’s untouchable… but he’s right. Even Damien can’t kill a lord in the palace without justification. Lord Stuart knows his words didn’t cross the line far enough.
Evelyn pivoted to face Damien, her back to Lord Stuart. She whispered low enough so only Damien could hear her. “Not here, not today.”
The rage in Damien’s eyes diminished only slightly. But Evelyn held her ground and Damien sheathed his sword.
Condescension dripped from Lord Stuart. “Isn’t it nice that you have a princess to protect you?”
Evelyn whirled toward him. “After tomorrow, this palace will bemine, and you willnotbe welcome here.”
“We’ll see.” Lord Stuart grabbed Lady Nadine’s arm with more force than necessary and led her into the dining room.
Damien took Evelyn’s hands. “I’m sosorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” she told him. “Thank you for protecting me.”
He grimaced. “You shouldn’t need protection from a lord.”
Evelyn glanced around. Nicolas and Daphne were talking quietly. Rory was checking on Desirée, while Simon flipped his sword absentmindedly.
“Damien,” Evelyn whispered.
“Yes?”
“Promise me you will kill him eventually.”
His eyes widened in shock. “You were upset with me about the man this morning.”
“I’m not sure that asshole deserved to lose his head. But I think your father probably does.”
Damien stared at her.
