Lionel rose more slowly, his eyes still burning. Richard wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then looked at the blood with mild irritation.
"Know your place, Lionel."
"You lied to me," Lionel said.
"Did I?" Richard asked, raising a sarcastic brow.
"Do you truly have no shame?" Lionel demanded.
Richard's jaw tightened. His cheek throbbed where Lionel's fist had landed, and his lip was split badly enough that every word tasted faintly of blood. Wonderful. His father would love this.
"The king is your friend," Lionel said.
Richard looked away. The accusation beneath all accusations. Betraying Henry. His Henry. His friend. His brother in every way but blood. "I have nothing to say to you, Lionel," Richard said, forcing coldness into his voice. "If the king wants to have a discussion with me, then fine."
Lionel stepped closer. "You cannot marry her."
Richard gave a short, bitter laugh. "I believe that decision belongs to her."
