~Ethan's POV
I heard someone gasp behind her, sharp and startled, and I felt the air in the room change instantly. My guards tensed, their hands moving closer to their weapons, eyes flashing with instinct and loyalty. My councilor stiffened where he stood behind me, his spine straightening as if bracing for bloodshed.
I should have killed her.
Any other human would have paid for such words with their life. Kings were not described that way. Vampire kings were not analyzed, pitied, or seen through.
Instead, I laughed.
The sound echoed through the hall, low and unexpected, and it startled even me. Lonely. The word rolled through my mind slowly, like it was searching for a place to settle. No one had ever dared say that to me. No one had ever thought they could.
"You may leave," I said calmly, without turning my head.
No one moved.
I glanced over my shoulder, my gaze sharp. "Now."
