As Cedric stepped out of the chamber, he found Mathias waiting like a shadow by the door. A derisive, mocking smirk curled Cedric's lips as he muttered, "I'm finished with her."
His gaze raked over Mathias with blatant contempt, stripping away his dignity before he continued in a voice laced with venom. "You may have shackled her with a ring and a name, Mathias, but she has never loved you. Not for a single heartbeat. To her, you aren't a husband—you are merely the cage she is forced to inhabit."
Mathias felt the words like a physical blow; the bitter sting of truth was harder to swallow than any lie. Yet, instead of erupting in rage, he clasped his hands behind his back and offered a mocking, low bow.
"Duke Alister," Mathias countered, his voice dripping with forced politeness, "I presume you know the way out without my guidance? If you'll excuse me, I must return to my dear wife."
Cedric's only response was a hateful, jagged smile before he turned and vanished into the hallway.
