"Come to bed. It's late."

Howard's face paled beneath the shadow of the blade. Fear coursed through his veins, but a flicker of defiance danced within his eyes. He gathered his remaining strength and forced out words against the weight of impending doom.

"Your Majesty," Sir Howard choked out, his voice strained but resolute, "love cannot be commanded or forced. Selena's heart should be free to choose, to follow where it leads, regardless of titles or oaths. She has suffered enough and deserves to be happy."

King Liam's grip tightened on the hilt of the blade, his control slipping with each word. The darkness within him wrestled against the flicker of doubt, but his rage still held dominion.

"Enough!" he thundered, his voice reverberating through the cellar. "Selena is not your concern. Her happiness is not your concern."