Once they were outside the chamber, Dimitri came to a halt, exhaling a heavy breath that seemed to carry the weight of a thousand thoughts.
Liam stepped forward cautiously, his voice low but laced with urgency.
"Even though you've spared the Empress for now," he began, his tone grave, "this doesn't end here, Your Highness. The fathers of the other concubines won't stay silent for long. Once word spreads that their daughters were poisoned within the palace under your watch.....they will act. And their anger… it won't be diplomatic. It will be lethal. They'll go after her. They'll try to kill her."
Dimitri's jaw tightened, but he didn't turn to face him.
"Then you will protect her," he commanded, his voice cold and firm. "You'll keep your eyes on Mellisa at all times, Liam. She is not to be left alone....not for a second."
He paused, drawing in another slow, deliberate breath.
