The woman didn't move at first, and only let her gaze sweep over me like she was peeling away each layer of skin to see what was beneath. Then, with a measured grace that spoke of years commanding people without ever needing to raise her voice, she rose from the chair.
"Valden," she said smoothly, her voice low and rich. "Leave us for a moment."
Valden stiffened. His arm was still around me, his jaw tightening as though the words were an order he really didn't want to obey. "With respect," he said, "I don't think Maeve would be comf–"
Her eyes cut toward him, not harsh but expectant, as though she already knew what he would say. "Privacy, please, Valden. Give us some time, and I promise you can stay stuck to her side at all times after that," she repeated, softer this time.
