"What king? The one that is missing?" Lord Vealor's voice rang out sharply, dripping with disdain.
"Do you think the castle doesn't already know the king is missing? Or that the Beta can cover it up with these ridiculous questions? Trust me, by dawn, all the Lords will arrive at the palace if the king is not found before then. And you" he jabbed a finger toward Arabella, his gaze blazing with accusation, "you are the main suspect. So I suggest you shut your mouth when elders are speaking."
He took a step closer, towering over her, his presence meant to intimidate. "The king is the ruler of this entire kingdom, not a man you can speak about so freely just because he was between your legs."
A ripple of tension spread across the hall at his crude words, but Arabella did not flinch.
Instead, she smiled.
It wasn't a timid smile, nor a forced one, it was calm, confident, and dangerously composed.
"Who said the king is missing?" she asked, her voice steady, almost amused.
