Sterling interrupted, his voice gruff. "That's enough of this discussion. We have private business here. Remove them." He turned and remarked to Lena as she was being led away. "As far as your ambassadorship to the king and Everton—that has been ended, remember?"
Lena's attempts to escape Sir Proud's grasp were futile as he clenched her arm firmly. "I know," she retorted with a hint of frustration, "b-but until a suitable replacement is found, shouldn't I be permitted to stay—and represent the king's interests in this matter?"
Sterling had grown tired of Lady Lena's impertinence towards his leadership. As she was forcefully removed from the council room, he reprimanded her for her behavior.
"The new directives from the king have been sent to you, but unfortunately, you have failed woefully at the task assigned to you. Your behavior on the battlement with my wife today was shocking and unacceptable."
