The oversight was his. He had been stupid.
But even that fury toward himself was eclipsed by the simmering rage he felt toward the woman standing opposite him, smug and indifferent. Something wasn’t right here. The disdain in Mrs. Leila’s expression wasn’t just rooted in protocol. It had weight behind it, and Heiko’s instincts flared. This woman wasn’t just cruel, she was emboldened.
Which meant someone powerful stood behind her. Most probably another royal.
His beast hissed again. Let me tear her apart. She made her cry. No one makes River cry.
We can’t kill everyone that offends River, Heiko replied internally, trying to remain composed.
Why not? the beast snarled. Let’s get rid of all these vermins.
Not now, Heiko growled back. Let me handle it.
He turned back to Mrs. Leila, his
