"You carry it out," Luna said, lowering her voice, "or…"
She leaned in. Her smile was serene. Almost tender. "I will kill you."
Isolde's breath caught in her throat. Her lips parted, but no sound emerged. Her knees wobbled.
Luna turned and walked toward the balcony rail, looking out over the city she now ruled.
*****
Later that evening, Damien arrived back at the castle. He had spent the journey home reading the full minutes of the court hearing Luna had faced without him.
She had stood alone. And she had prevailed.
He should have trusted her more.
Damien pressed his fingers to his eyes as the car came to a stop.
They had fought that morning, neither of them willing to give ground. He had wanted to shield her from every shadow, every threat, even from her own kingdom. But Luna had pushed back. She had insisted this was her burden to bear.
Now, reading the proceedings, he saw the truth.
She had carried herself like a queen. Dignified. Ruthless. Untouchable.
