CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
As the king’s words echoed through the room, Alejandro watched Julianna. She stood perfectly still, but the distress on her face twisted his insides.
Emotions clamored in his heart, demanding acknowledgement. Not respect or attraction or friendship. Deep feelings. Intense feelings. Ones that scared him.
Not love.
That didn’t exist. At least that was what his parents’ marriage had taught him. They’d never shown an ounce of affection toward each other. This had to be…something else.
Still, his hand itched to reach out to hold Julianna’s. He wanted to protect her from the fallout and make everything better.
Brandt cleared his throat. “Father, please—”
“This does not concern you.” King Alaric spoke through clenched teeth.
But it concerned Alejandro. Punching her fath
