The room echoed with silence after the heavy doors slammed shut behind Anna. Jasmine stood still, her body trembling from the coldness of the moment, and from the storm swirling in Xaden's eyes as he looked down at her from his throne.
"I should've known," he muttered, almost to himself. His voice was low, dangerous. "I should have never trusted you."
Jasmine flinched. "Xaden, I didn't—"
"Don't." His voice sliced through her plea. "Don't speak like you're innocent."
She stepped forward, cautiously. "You're angry. I understand. I left, I ran… but I didn't betray you."
He laughed bitterly and rose from his throne. "Didn't betray me?" he echoed. "You vanished in the middle of the night. Took off without a word, after everything—after I trusted you. And now you return carrying stolen jewels and letters that paint you like a spy. Tell me, Jasmine, is the baby even mine?"
Her mouth dropped open, her heart stopping in her chest. "What?"
