"You should have told me immediately,” Lucian says, his voice deep as he stares at me.
I stand before the King’s massive, oak desk, my fingers curled tight, nails biting into my palms. The study is all dark wood and leather, bookshelves lining the walls from floor to ceiling, heavy curtains framing windows that overlook the palace grounds. Astra is positioned beside Lucian’s chair, one hand resting on the back of it, her expression tense and unreadable. He remains seated, but somehow his stillness makes him more intimidating, not less. The afternoon light streaming through the tall windows does nothing to warm the cold knot of dread in my stomach.
“I didn’t think it had anything to do with the royal family,” I say quietly, forcing myself to meet his gaze.
Lucian leans forward in his cha
