Chapter 14
Shattered
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine. Please inform Vlad that I am unharmed,” Liliette said, sitting primly in her chair. She tugged the collar of her wine-colored cloak tighter, the fabric pooling around her like a cocoon. With her knees pulled up onto the seat, she resembled a small child hiding under a plush blanket more than the dignified lady of the castle.
Across the tea table, Ivan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed casually. “You certainly appear to be,” he remarked dryly. “However, if I neglect my duties, I might lose a limb—or perhaps an ear. Perhaps you’ve developed a penchant for collecting the ears of high priests?”
“All right, all right, I understand,” Liliette replied quickly, her cheeks warming. With a sigh of resignation, she lowered her legs and slipped off the cloak, revealing the indoor dress she wore beneath. Its semicircular neckline made her feel exposed under Ivan’s gaze.
