I ignored him. What did either of them know about what it took to stay beside a man like Vincent Veylor?
He didn’t need obedience. He needed someone who could stand next to him when the world bowed and right now, he didn’t look at me at all. He didn’t think I was worth it.
I had only asked him for his presence at dinner, and he didn’t even pause before he turned me down. “I have business with the council.”
“You saw it, Mom. You were there, Dad.” I blurted out. “He rejects me, no matter what I do.”
My parents exchanged glances, shocked at my outburst. My mother was first to react. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “He’s under stress, dear. The child’s illness…”
“I know,” I said. “I know exactly what it is.”
Pity flashed in her eyes and it was exactly what I didn’t want. She rea
