Royal Palace of the Erengard Empire
The ripple of Roxanne's power spread through the air like a shockwave, sharp and undeniable. Dietrich felt it deep in his bones, a pulse that made his jaw tighten and his breath catch. It was pure, untamed, and far stronger than anything he had ever sensed before. In that instant, he knew there's no way he could match that power.
"That damn mixed blood," he growled, pushing himself out of bed.
Liselotte stirred faintly behind him, still asleep, her bare skin half-covered by the sheets he left rumpled in his wake. "Too early in the morning for this nonsense," he muttered, dragging on his robe.
He yanked the door open and stormed out, not bothering to close it. A startled maid rushed in behind him, quickly shutting the door when she saw the empress consort still lying unclothed on the bed.
