[Lavinia's POV — Irethene Forest—Continuation]
The forest stilled as I stepped from the saddle. Every movement was measured and deliberate—a predator uncoiling. Sunlight glanced off my sword, but it was the weight behind my stare that cut the clearing. Leaves shivered. Shadows seemed to shrink away. They all knew, as I did, who owned this place.
Eleania clung to Osric, pale and streaked with blood, eyes darting to me with that same thin, calculating smile. A viper in silks. Her fear flitted across her features for the barest instant. And yet she dared to cross the boundary.
Should I kill her?
The thought rose as easily as breath—sharp, delicious.
Of course I could. I am the crown princess. My hand could fall and no voice here would raise a question. She had tasted my man once before; I would never let her be so bold again. She snatched my man from me in my previous life; not again.
