Enia's gaze remained fixed on him. "But?"
"But as we discussed a week ago in private, I am the one who can keep Liam safe." Arik did not bother to soften the position, or hide the power sitting beneath it, or pretend the possessiveness in his voice was anything other than exactly what it was. "I understand it may be jarring for some of you who do not know Liam well enough, but you will have to deal with it."
The room went quiet.
But not with offense like Liam expected.
He expected outrage, or at least a few offended gasps from the Ravenstones, whose family pride had survived worse things than imperial heirs and usually reacted to bluntness by sharpening its teeth.
Instead, several people looked relieved.
Liam stared at them, his crimson eyes filled with familial murder.
Mirelle leaned back against the sofa with a sigh that sounded almost luxurious. "Oh, thank every god still employed!"
Liam turned toward her slowly. "Excuse me?"
