Kassian’s eyes kept switching between the two women, his brain working hard to come up with an explanation for what he was seeing. He had rushed back from the Imperial Palace to make sure Raena wasn’t in danger after the news broke out, only to be informed by the guards that there was some commotion in the Concubines’ palace instead. He had decided to pass by quickly on his way to the North Palace when he heard the screams.
Not even for a second had he thought he’d find Raena there, looking with such a threatening expression at another person — at Lara, of all people. If that wasn’t enough, Raena’s maid seemed to be receiving punishment for something, while Raena’s guard stood with his sword drawn and blood dripping from his blade. Kassian had almost taken out his own weapon when he notic
