Before Sylvia could even lunge forward, Aldric's arm snaked around her waist, dragging her back with brutal efficiency. She tried to scream, but his hand clamped over her mouth, muffling the sound. Sylvia kicked and thrashed, but his grip only tightened, unyielding as iron.
Aldric's gaze flicked to Elias. One glance was enough. Elias stepped forward, placing himself at Emma's side like a silent wall, barring her from any rash movement. He knew. They both did. These two women might love their lady enough to throw themselves into the fire for her, but they were forgetting one truth: the prince was still master of this manor. What he decreed was law. And that order must be maintained.
Leroy walked past them, his golden mask hiding every trace of his face, his stride measured, deliberate. Zara's hand reached toward him, trembling but triumphant, like a queen about to be crowned.
