Annequin pouted dramatically. "Oww, is that really how you welcome your savior?"
Great. Violet groaned inwardly. This was officially the worst day of her life. Now this bitch would hold that little act of rescue over her head for as long as Violet lived.
Annequin continued, entirely unbothered. "I mean, I did stop you from tearing your kingdom apart." She tilted her head, eyes glinting with mischief. "You should be thanking me. On your knees, preferably."
Before Violet could unleash the string of creative violence forming on her tongue, Asher stepped in at once.
"Let's not make a spectacle of this," he commanded. "You claimed you had something to discuss with my mate, so say it and be done."
He emphasized mate deliberately.
Asher wasn't stupid. He saw the game Annequin was playing. She was provoking Violet on purpose, testing boundaries, and enjoying the reaction.
