"What, exactly, would satisfy you regarding Clara Beaumont's punishment?" King Theron asked Alaric, his expression serious as we continued our difficult conversation.
I watched my husband's jaw tighten, his eyes darkening with that dangerous gleam I'd come to recognize.
"Her head on a pike would be a good start," Alaric replied coldly.
"Alaric!" I couldn't help my shocked response, though I shouldn't have been surprised. My husband's protective instincts had always manifested as ruthlessness toward those who harmed me.
Theron raised an eyebrow. "While I appreciate your straightforwardness, friend, that might be somewhat extreme given the circumstances."
"Is it?" Alaric challenged. "She deliberately scarred my wife. She tortured Isabella for years with that vile stepmother. She—"
"I know what she did," Theron interrupted gently. "The entire court knows."
