Chapter 92

• The soldiers surrounded me, their eyes burning with contempt as if I were some kind of villain. They had all chosen to stand with Fenris without hesitation, without question. Only Icarus remained at my side, a steadfast shield against anyone who dared to lash out at me—physically or verbally. I was growing increasingly weary of the relentless disregard for my authority, the way they stripped away even the smallest shred of respect I deserved.
• "Your sister brought this upon herself," I said, my voice unnervingly calm, even to my own ears. "She insulted me, deliberately served me spoiled food, and in the end, she tried to attack me. She alone is responsible for what happened to her. A mere maid should have known better than to challenge the King's concubine."
• Icarus' jaw tightened, his eyes widening in disbelief. "She did what?" he demanded, his voice low and seething.