"What? You dare file a complaint against me? You lowly—" The young noblewoman raised her hand to strike Xenia, but her wrist was caught mid-air by August.
A collective gasp echoed from the group as the prince stepped into view.
With a cold flick of his wrist, he shoved her back, sending her stumbling onto the dusty cobblestones of the street.
"Who is your father? What is his rank?" August demanded, his tone icy and measured. "I assure you, he will be on his knees begging for my mercy before morning."
He glanced back at Samir, who had already returned with the local inspector assigned to the night market's security detail.
"Your Highness! I was informed that someone dared speak treason against your name," the inspector said, bowing low as he stepped forward, his eyes widening as he took in the scene.
"This woman," August declared, pointing a single finger at the girl on the ground. "She insulted both me and my father, branding me a bastard. Arrest her at once."
