Grace stepped forward, fury radiating off her. Her hand swung through the air and struck Arthur hard across the face. The sharp crack echoed through the forest.
Arthur’s head snapped to the side. He stared at her in disbelief, then glanced around—their men were watching. His jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with warning. The others quickly lowered their gazes, afraid to meet his.
“I never expected this from you, Arthur,” Grace snapped, her voice trembling with anger. “I thought I'd raised you better.”
“Mother,” Arthur replied, his tone edged with irritation, “I did what I thought was best for us.”
Grace’s hand shot up again, ready to strike him a second time, but Arthur lifted his arm defensively, blocking her gaze with his palm. “Mother—everyone’s watching,” he hissed.
For a moment,
