The silence that followed was absolute. Even the flames of the candles seemed to freeze.
Heiko’s chair scraped violently against the stone as he stood.
“Absolutely not.” His voice was low, dangerous. “You will not use yourself as bait.”
River turned to him, calm but resolute. “They’re after me, Heiko. You said it yourself — their last appearance was centered around me. The dark witch who threatened us at the ball didn’t care about politics or the throne. She wanted me. My blood, my power.”
“That’s exactly why you can’t do this!” Heiko shot back, his fists clenched at his sides. “You’re carrying our child, River. You are not expendable — you are everything.”
King Paul’s expression darkened, torn between reason and dread.
“It’s too dangerous,” he said gravely. “We can’t predict what
