I actively dismiss the idea that he could know anything, not wanting any of my doubts and fears to show on my face. Instead, I raise my chin and glare evenly at the Duke.
“You are welcome in our Kingdom,” I say to the Duke who still smirks at me. I allow a little challenge to come into my eyes to let him know I won’t cow before him. After all, as Auden pointed out this morning, I outrank him. I outrank…pretty much everyone.
“Though,” I continue, my expression cold, “I would warn you against making claims on things that are not yours. Vivianna, Niall,” I say sharply, turning my head to look at them. “Come with me now. We’ll get you something to eat.”
And as I move away my children trail behind me, following eagerly in my footsteps as we move towards a refreshment table on the far side of
