"They have families. Children. And you condemn them to death!" My voice breaks, tears stinging hot at the edges of my vision. "I lost seven brothers to this war. Year after year. Because men like you decided your lives were worth more than theirs."
Sebastian's snarl rips through the chamber like a blade. He lunges a step forward, fury etched into every line of his face.
"Seb," Rafe's voice cuts lazily through the storm, though his tone holds warning. He doesn't even look up from the map. "Leave him. We'll revisit the plans come morning. Go."
For a heartbeat, Sebastian wavers, muscles tight with the desire to strike. Then, with a final growl, he shoulders past me.
The others follow, one by one, eyes dragging over me, some amused, some assessing, all dismissive. Each passing shoulder collides with mine, deliberate knocks meant to remind me how small I am here.
The chamber door closes with a hollow thud, leaving only the prince and me.
