Chapter 67
Rhydian's jaw tensed, his arms tightening around Seraphina protectively, instinctively. He didn't answer right away, but his narrowed eyes stayed locked on Karine's face, watching for any flicker of emotion, guilt, satisfaction, even fear.
Nothing.
Just that same innocent, calculated calm expression she always wore like armor.
"She's alive," he finally said, voice low and cutting. "Disappointed?"
Karine blinked, as if she hadn't expected the question to be turned on her. Then a small, practiced frown curved her lips. "Of course not. Why would I be disappointed that your Mistress survived?"
Mistress
The word echoed like poison in Rhydian's head, but he refused to let it get to him. Not now.
"Because you're always disappointed when your plans fail, and don't you ever call her mistress, she is my wife, and the queen of this kingdom." he said coldly, not bothering to hide the venom in his voice.