The Duchess' words echoed in Rhea's head like a bad song.
The blue-eyed woman stared at the mad pair and asked in as soft a voice as her emotions allowed, "Are you threatening me, Duchess?"
Della hummed thoughtfully.
"I suppose so. But, rest assured, no harm will come to you as long as you are in my good graces, and you already know what I require of you, the worship of our Duke, so it should not be that hard of a task."
Anger welled up in Rhea's heart. Restraint had always been an easy thing for her, being her mother's daughter and Lonan's wife, but in that moment she found herself struggling to contain the rage that boiled the blood in her veins and raised a blush on her cheeks.
"May I be excused?" She asked, each word slow and level.
Della stared at her and each second felt like coal being shovelled into the flame that was Rhea's unrest.
"You may, though I would have liked to spend more time with you."
