Lord Frederick's POV
"Are you angry?" she asked again.
I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. "I'm angry," I said honestly. "I won't lie about that."
Her face fell, and I reached out, gently lifting her chin so she'd meet my eyes. "But it's okay," I added quietly. "You had your reasons."
Her breath hitched, like she didn't believe me. "You… you mean that?"
"I do." My voice softened. "You were living in a lie. You thought I killed your mother. I can't blame you for hating me when you didn't know the truth."
Her tears started again, and something in my chest tightened. I brushed a thumb across her cheek, wiping one away. "Enough crying for one night, okay?"
She nodded weakly, trying to smile. It broke me even more.
I stood and looked toward the witch. "We're done here." The witch only nodded.
Turning back to Selene, I said, "You're not going home tonight."
She blinked. "What?"
