After the abrupt ending of breakfast, King Elijah led his sons into his study room, furious with everything that had just happened.
King Elijah did not sit.
The door had barely closed behind them before he turned.
His gaze locked on Nate first. "Explain yourself."
Nate did not hesitate. He parted his lips, and spoke immediately. "I had the right to." There was no apology in his voice, no hesitation, and no second thought.
His posture remained relaxed, almost careless, but his eyes held something sharp beneath it.
"I wasn't going to sit there," Nate continued, "and watch him insult my mate."
King Elijah's jaw tightened.
"Your mate?" he repeated slowly. "And that gives you the right to dismiss a man who funds half this court?"
"It gives me the right to decide what I tolerate," Nate replied flatly.
The air thickened.
Alaric shifted slightly, his gaze flickering between them.
Xanden didn't move. He simply watched them.
