The demand stunned the room.
For a brief, breathless moment, no one spoke.
No one except the steward, who stood unmoving, his vacant eyes giving a subtle indication of the spell he was under.
Sir Hopkins took an instinctive step forward, his mouth already opening in protest, but Earl Kirkland was faster.
"What?!" Robert barked, his composure shattering. "What do you mean? My fiancée- are you saying you want me to give you my fiancée?!"
Ruel's gaze lifted slowly to him.
His eyes narrowed.
"I did say so," he replied coolly.
Robert's nostrils flared, his face flushing with fury, but before he could explode further, Matthis's voice cut in, sharp with panic.
"Your Highness!" Matthis cried. "Why do you want my sister?!"
Ruel leaned back in his chair, utterly at ease.
"Because both of you owe me," he said simply. "So I'll take what you two think belongs to you."
"That won't happen!" Robert snapped.
Ruel tilted his head, studying him as one might study a poorly told lie.
