Amelia forced herself to breathe, to bury the storm rising in her chest. She couldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her falter again.
Her voice came out sharp, colder than the frost gathering at her fingertips. "If you think I'll dance to your tune, you're mistaken. I don't need your schemes to surpass you—or anyone else."
Julies tilted his head, amused. "Then why haven't you, Lady Frost?"
The words cut deeper than she expected. For a moment, her heart lurched in her chest, stung by the truth hidden in his mockery.
Her jaw clenched. "…Careful."
But he only smirked, drumming his fingers lightly against the table.
Amelia's eyes lingered on Julies, his grin as insufferable as ever. She wanted to dismiss his words as reckless provocation, but her thoughts betrayed her.
The Mystic Coral Staff…
