A crash outside the door. Shouting. The sound of fighting.
Damian was on his feet instantly. Moving toward the door. Ready to defend against whatever threat.
He opened it to find guards subduing a drunk noble who'd been causing trouble in the corridor. Nothing serious. Nothing requiring the King's intervention.
He closed the door. Turned back to her.
And found Selene holding the vial of poison. Her hand shaking. Tears streaming down her face.
"He gave me this. Alaric. He told me to poison you tonight. Told me if I didn't, he'd kill you himself and frame me for it."
Damian's expression hardened. But he didn't look surprised. Didn't look shocked.
"I suspected. The way he watches you. The way he positions himself. The things you've said about him. I've been investigating him for weeks."
"You knew?"
"I suspected he was manipulating you. Using you. I just didn't know the extent of it until now."
