Zach pulled away slowly, exposing the intruder to her view.
But she already knew who it was from the familiar deep voice.
Zach brushed the lapel of his expensive coat as he bowed before the King.
What was he even doing in this side of the castle?
"I want to have a word with her."
Zach nodded but didn't move from her side.
"Alone, if you may."
Claire's attention was drawn to his twitching fingers.
She was in serious trouble - she didn't need to be told.
Zach hesitantly walked away.
"I'll be downstairs when you're done."
"She won't be seeing you again today, young man. You can go home."
Claire glanced at Zach, praying he won't do anything stupid.
Zach nodded and left, but she didn't miss the way his lips had thinned and his eyes had hardened. She watched him disappear down the stairway, his roses still grasped in her hands.
Yeren made to take them away from her but she moved it behind herself.
"Give it to me." He held out his hand.
