"If it's not Arzhen…"
Ruby whispered, then blinked up at Nikolas. Finally, a new idea dawned in her wide, tear-bright eyes. "Then it must have been Arkai Dawnoro, right…?"
Nikolas's eyebrows shot up. "You think it's him?"
"I… I'll talk to Arzhen," she said. "W-we… we shouldn't be so hasty, Nik. Arzhen is not that kind of person…" Her voice was a plea for the simpler narrative. "Surely if we just talk to him…"
"RAAH!!"
CRASH!
Nikolas's control shattered. His arm swept across the table in a violent arc, sending maps, reports, and ink pots crashing to the floor. "You and your sentimental feelings for him!" he roared. "You are my mate, Ruby! Even if you love him, right now, and forever, you are mine!"
"Nik, it's not… it's not because I love him…" Ruby flinched back.
Nikolas gritted his teeth, his eyes burning as he took in her cowering posture. Women. Of course. She was just a woman.
