EMBER’S POV
“My personal life isn’t council business.” Knox’s voice stays mild, but I can see the tension gathering in his shoulders.
“Everything you do is council business, Your Majesty. You’d do well to remember that.” James pauses in front of me, close enough that I have to fight the urge to step back. “And you. The runaway wife who’s caused so much chaos at this Summit. I do hope you’re enjoying the protection of the crown. It must be quite a change from your previous circumstances.”
I don’t flinch. I don’t look away. I meet his gaze with every ounce of steel I’ve developed.
“I’m enjoying it very much, actually,” I say sweetly. “Thank you for asking.”
Something ugly flickers in James’s eyes, but before he can respond the guards begin filing back into the kitchen.
One by one they
