She paused, letting that sink in.
"And the comedic part? The bandits that are attacking the merchant caravans are operating from 'your' family's territory. So tell me, Consort Kieran—whose fault do you think that is?"
Kieran's face had gone white, then red.
Before he could respond, Heena turned her attention to Adrian.
"And the dam situation—shall we discuss that, Duke Adrian?"
Adrian immediately raised his hands defensively. "Your Majesty, with all due respect, that territory isn't under my jurisdiction. My family's lands are nowhere near the eastern dam. This matter doesn't concern—"
"How interesting," Heena interrupted coldly. "I haven't even explained the problem yet, but you're already trying to distance yourself from it. Almost like you already 'know' what I'm about to say."
Adrian's carefully composed expression cracked slightly.
Heena's voice turned even colder: "Let me enlighten you. Your aunt—Countess Josephine—is married to Count William, correct?"
