The name tore through the freezing winter air. Derek's shout, "LIAM!!!!", was so loud and full of raw fury that the royal guards actually took a step backward in the snow. Their hands gripped the hilts of their swords tightly. They waited for the Grand Duke to charge. They were ready to cut him down.
Prince Liam flinched slightly at the sheer volume of Derek's voice, but he quickly recovered. He squeezed Marissa's waist even tighter, holding her firmly against his chest. He smiled, thinking he had finally pushed Derek past the breaking point. He wanted Derek to attack. If Derek attacked first, Liam could kill him and claim it was self-defense.
But Derek did not charge.
Derek stopped walking. He stood firmly in the center of the snowy courtyard. He took a deep, heavy breath, forcing the violent, blinding anger back down into his chest. He needed a clear mind for this.
