Julian's lips curved into a cold smile as he set down the jug with a thud. "Peace? Peace doesn't come from hiding behind someone. Peace comes from fighting beside them. Something you wouldn't understand."
Madame Shades's eyes glimmered with quiet satisfaction at their outbursts, sipping her water as though she had gotten what she wanted. "Ruby, you see? They cannot control themselves. A husband should protect, not bark. Louis, on the other hand, offers you loyalty. He will love you without question."
Ruby raised her eyes at last, her face unreadable. "We'll see," she said softly, her voice steady, though underneath Karl and Julian both could hear the iron in it.
