There it was again: the mention of the Blood Trial and the request of "securing the upper hand" with it.
Viella thought, recalling how the Crown Prince had worded his demand. And along with it, his threat on her life.
Now, as she stood there, facing the High Lady of the Empire, whose eyes lay heavily on her, Viella's heart started to beat faster at the thought of death. Somehow, knowing that in the race for the throne, the Crown Prince's threat was as real as the air she breathed.
He will kill her.
"You must think my son weak. But I assure you, he is not. He is just kind-hearted. Like me," the High Lady said, pouring another cup of tea for herself.
Viella watched, thinking to herself how this woman could say that with a straight face.
"I do not, my Lady of the Empire. I believe kind-heartedness is not a weakness," Viella replied.
