Duke Ashford leaned forward, his voice dangerous. "Your Majesty, we came here in good faith—"
"You came here," Heena interrupted, "because my aunt summoned you. And you came running like obedient dogs at five in the morning, which tells me exactly how much power she has over you."
The Duchess smiled slightly but said nothing.
"And now that you're here," Heena continued, "let's discuss why you're 'really' here. Let's talk about the fact that one of your precious sons got a woman pregnant. Let's talk about the assassination attempts. Let's talk about the corruption, the embezzlement, the complete and utter 'failure' of your sons to fulfill their duties as imperial consorts."
She gestured at her ridiculous golden dress.
