She looks up from her book, and I see the surprise in her eyes. “Cedric.”
She gets to her feet as I say, “I’m here because of Derrick.” I tell her this to make sure I prevent any ideas in her head that she has gotten her way. “He pointed out that you have been loyal to me for a long time.”
“Some reward I get for that loyalty.” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“Don’t even try it, Bella,” I say harshly. “We aren’t children. Throwing a temper tantrum is not going to work in your favor.”
Her face flushes with anger, but she falls silent.
“I’m not going to reinstate you,” I inform her. “Understand that much. You clearly don’t respect Leanna, and I can’t have anybody picking up on that. If the elders realize that I’m letting one of my most trusted people mistreat the queen, it will caus
