She turned to leave but abruptly she stopped. With only a slight tilt of her head, Luna glanced back over her shoulder. Her closing remark was delivered as a caress of poison. "And the next time you do not bow in my presence," she murmured, "I will consider it an act of disrespect to the crown. You will be flogged until your screams bleed the walls. And then I will hang you out to dry beneath the bare sun." Her smile widened, too beautiful for the cruelty of her words. "Imagine how good that will make me feel."
As the doors closed behind her, Luna exhaled, forcing composure back into her chest. She had won this round. And now, she had to prepare for her next performance. The council awaited.
She straightened her spine and allowed a slow, sly smile to curve her lips. Damien would be there. Luna had every intention of giving Damien the show of his life.
*****
