“Healer Selene.” Lucian’s authority rings out, but there’s amusement in his tone despite the gravity of the situation. “What would you like to do?”
Selene doesn’t hesitate. “I reject Lord Zane Radrick as my fated mate.” The conviction in her voice is complete. “I want nothing to dowith him. And I want the Council to stop interfering in my personal life.”
“So be it,” Lucian says, his words brooking no argument. “This matter is closed.”
The chamber erupts again, but this time it’s different. The whispers aren’t about manipulation or magical influence. They’re about scandal. About the healer who publicly declared her sexual preference for the Commander. About the most salacious piece of gossip the court has heard in years.
Zane’s face has gone from red to ashen. His jaw works silently, hands trembling at his sides as the careful mask of the devoted lover shatters completely. What’s left behind is cold and predatory rage, stripped of pretense. When his eyes meet mine across the room, the hatred there is palpable.
Through our bond, I feel Selene’s exhaustion crashing over her now that the adrenaline is fading. She’s trembling, trying to hold herself together as Lucian dismisses the Council.
I need to get to her. Need to hold her and figure out what the hell she was thinking.
But as the chamber begins to empty, as nobles file out in clusters of furious, scandalized whispers, I catch Zane’s gaze one final time.
The look he gives me promises retribution.
Whatever comes next, it won’t be pretty.
Chapter Fourteen
Selene
The momentthe doors close behind the last Council member, my knees buckle.
Strong arms catch me before I hit the ground. Seth’s scent—cedar and night air—wraps around me as he pulls me to his chest. My fingers clutch at his shirt, the fine fabric bunching in my fists.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs into my hair.
I can’t stop shaking. The adrenaline that kept me standing through that interrogation drains away, leaving me hollow and trembling. Seth’s hand spreads across my back, steadying me, and I hate how much I need his touch right now.
“That was quite a show.” Lucian’s voice penetrates the fog in my head. I force myself to look up at him. He’s watching me with something that might be admiration in those calculating eyes. “Impressive, really.”
“I had a feeling Zane would drag the Council into it.” My voice comes out rougher than usual. I clear my throat, trying to find my footing even as Seth keeps me anchored against him. “If his intentionwas to get to Astra, he’d need their backing. He’s too smart to move against her alone.”
Seth’s jaw tightens. “When did you figure it out?”
“When you made me move into your quarters.” I meet his gaze, and the heat there makes my breath catch. “I knew word would get out. And of course Zane would use it against us both.”
“You planned for this?” Lucian sounds genuinely surprised.
“Not planned. Just…prepared.” I pull away from Seth, immediately missing his warmth. My legs hold this time, barely. “But I—” The words stick in my throat. I look at Seth, really look at him, and my heart cracks open in my chest. “I just dragged my reputation through the mud. And yours with it.”
“Selene—”
“They think I’m sleeping my way to power.” The idea tastes bitter. “They think you’re stupid enough to be manipulated by a healer who—”
“Stop.” Seth’s command interrupts me mid-sentence. He steps so close to me that I have to tilt my head back to hold his gaze. “I don’t give a damn what they think.”
“Well, I do.” My voice cracks. “You’re the Commander of the King’s army. They need to respect you.”
“They will respect me.” His hand comes up to cup my jaw, thumb brushing across my cheekbone. The touch sends electricity racing down my spine. “And they’ll respect you, too, once Lucian and I are done.”
I want to lean into that touch, let him shoulder this burden I’ve created. But guilt gnaws at me, sharp and relentless.
“I’ll handle your reputation,” Lucian says, smiling confidently at me. “The Council members who matter saw right through Zane’s theatrics. The others will fall in line.”
“How—”
