"It's not that I intended to stop her," Darius said, voice low and trembling with anger. "I wanted to kill Belleah right there. On the spot."
Aeric didn't flinch.
He simply watched the emperor carefully, absorbing every word, every emotion, every uncontrolled edge.
Inside, his thoughts were sharp, rapid, dangerous.
I knew it.
This woman… this Aria… she has every trait an Empress should have.
If she begins involving herself in politics, she will disrupt everything.
Everything I have been weaving for years.
I can't let that happen.
I will get her—before she becomes the force that destroys my board.
Darius's voice broke through his thoughts.
"What are you thinking?" he demanded. "Are you here to inquire about the Empress… or for your sister?"
Aeric lifted his gaze, composed again.
"I'm here for both."
Darius studied him for a long moment, as if trying to peel back layers of Aeric's intentions and failing.
