"Your Grace," Rylen tried again as he took in the scene before him. He had to stop it, something told him Caius planned to go through with it. He would be lying if he said he couldn't guess what was about to happen.
But Caius didn't even spare him a glance. His attention was locked on Rose, her head bowed so low Rylen was sure she could see her reflection on the polished marble floor. Her hands trembled at her sides, clutching her dress so tightly the fabric twisted beneath her fingers.
"She doesn't belong here," Lord Nicholas said, his voice sharp with disgust. "Are we to believe the crown prince's bedwarmer now has a seat at the council table? That's too much of an insult, Your Highness."
Rose flinched at the word, shame burning through her skin, but she didn't dare move. Her knees ached against the cold floor, but the weight of so many eyes was far heavier than the stone beneath her.
