Count Vissan forced out a dry laugh, though there was little amusement in his expression. "Do you really think the Duke of Anjou would believe such an obvious provocation?"
"Why don't you try it and find out?" Lina replied without hesitation. "After all, you know the duke much better than I do. I'm sure you can make an educated guess about how he would react."
Her expression remained perfectly composed, and there was not the slightest hint that she was joking. Count Vissan studied her face, apparently hoping to discover some indication that she was merely bluffing. Unfortunately for him, Lina had no intention of giving him that satisfaction. She was entirely prepared to carry out her threat if necessary, and he could hardly accuse her of making an empty promise when she had already demonstrated that she was willing to challenge him openly.
