~Lyra~
The room fell silent once more. The ladies exchanged glances. The King’s expression remained indifferent, but his eyes flicked from face to face.
Reactions varied—some surprised, some unreadable, others too practiced to betray anything at all.
Had I touched a nerve by bringing up Kael's effort on the Nightshade Road? Did they not know Kael was doing their dirty work?
Marcus’s face darkened like an approaching storm. “What exactly are you trying to say?”
I straightened my posture, kept my voice neutral. “Only that Kael’s absence tonight shouldn’t be mistaken for disrespect. He’s recovering from an injury—one sustained while serving the King.”
Marcus glared at me like I’d personally offended his bloodline. His hands flexed on the table, as if moments away from lashing out.
An
