Kel stepped backward in alarm as the Dragon Emperor took large strides toward her. The backs of her legs immediately bumped against something, reminding her of the table directly behind her.
Her heart pounded as the man cornered her against the end table. With a loud thud, he slammed one hand against the table's surface, causing her to flinch. He leaned forward until their faces were only inches apart.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
Kel gulped nervously. She opened her mouth to defend herself but closed it again. Claiming the irritable secretary had given her permission seemed like the exact wrong thing to do at the moment.
The emperor waited patiently for her to answer his question, keeping his gaze locked with hers.
As she studied his eyes, partially hidden beneath dark messy bangs, she realized they seemed less fiery than she was accustomed to. They didn't seem to be full of anger at all. Rather, they looked tired.
