Chapter 29
Joe's POV
I stormed into the palace like a man possessed, my blood still boiling from the setup. The air felt heavy, too still for how fast my heart was thudding. I didn’t bother to hide my fury as I took the marble steps two at a time, my fists clenched at my sides.
And there he was, my uncle Ivan, lounging on the balcony like a smug villain from some ancient tale, a half-empty glass of wine swirling in his hand.
“Uncle!” I barked, stride covering the distance in two quick steps. I slammed my palm on the carved railing. "We need to talk," I stopped fews feets away from him.
He didn’t flinch. He looked over his shoulder with that ever-calm, calculating gaze and raised his glass slightly.
"Evening, Your Majesty."
"Cut the crap. That dinner? That surprise guest? Don’t ever
