"If you want to keep your tongue, I suggest you be careful about what you say about my wife. I would kill you right here and feel no remorse," Dante said, tightening his hold on the collar of Alistair's shirt.
"Please accept the apology of a foolish old man who knew no better. I only meant to speak highly of your wife for getting the king to notice her," Alistair said, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. "I meant no harm."
"I don't believe you. Since you present yourself as a wise man, you know the hidden message beneath your words. I am not close to the king, despite what you have heard. You are here to speak to your niece, so I suggest you do so," said Ophelia.
Ophelia got the feeling that Alistair came here with an agenda, and it wasn't one for Victoria.
"Lord Hastings, might I speak to my uncle alone? It can be an open space where you can watch us from afar," Victoria said, knowing her talk would end short with too many people around. "I will be fine. I am prepared."
