Adrian’s POV
The knock came again…three sharp raps, like nails being hammered into my skull.
“Your Majesty?” Lady Margaret’s voice dripped honey through the wood. “Adrian, darling, open the door. We know you’re in there.”
I didn’t move. My hands were clenched together so tightly, I could feel them cracking.
Thomas stood frozen by the door, eyes wide. I turned to him slowly.
“Did the news leak about the princess’s condition, and you forgot to tell me about it?” My voice came out flat, deadly.
He swallowed hard, voice cracking. “Your Majesty…what happened was beyond my control. I…I don’t even know who leaked it. But half the kingdom already knows the princess is unconscious.”
I stared at him until he dropped his gaze.
“Forgive me, your majesty. Do you want me to dispose of them?” he
