Aldric moved fast. He grabbed Marcus by the lapel of his jacket.
"Watch your mouth, boy," Aldric growled. "I am a Count of this kingdom. I have influence. I have connections."
Marcus didn't flinch. He didn't try to break the grip.
He just looked down at Aldric's hand, then back up to his face.
"You have nothing," Marcus said calmly. "That's why you're here."
Aldric tightened his grip. "I could ruin you. I could spread rumors that would make your current reputation look like a sainthood."
"Go ahead," Marcus said.
Aldric paused. He expected fear. He didn't find any.
"You're a novelty," Aldric said. "Vivienne will get bored. She always does. And when she realizes you're just a interfering child, she'll come back to me. She always does."
"Not this time," Marcus said.
"Why?" Aldric challenged. "Because of you?"
"No," Marcus said. "Because she has a support system now."
Marcus reached up. He took Aldric's wrist.
He didn't use force. He didn't use a martial arts technique.
