Lyra's POV
Vivienne had always possessed an uncanny ability to surround herself with the most insufferable men imaginable. It perfectly matched how she had tormented me throughout my entire existence.
Of course she never cared about you, the bitter voice whispered in my mind.
Shut up, I snapped back internally.
A crushing grip suddenly seized my bicep, yanking me from my spiraling thoughts. Xander's fingers dug into my flesh with punishing intensity. A small sound of pain escaped my lips.
"Pay attention," he snarled. "You clearly know nothing about our ways. Not surprising, considering nobody bothered to educate you properly."
His mouth twisted into a cruel smile that sent ice through my veins. "You stand before the future king. We expect reverence. Show us proper respect, and perhaps we'll consider mercy."
I struggled against his iron hold, achieving nothing. My eyebrow arched defiantly. "What exactly do you expect from me?"
"Get on your knees," he commanded with venom.
