IVAN'S POV
Blood oozed where my claws broke skin, rivulets running down the maid's throat as she clawed uselessly at my grip.
The harder she fought, the deeper I dug in. Her veins bulged purple, her face mottling as she sputtered for breath.
The maid kicked weakly, choking.
"P-please—Your Highness—I didn't mean any of it—"
"Didn't mean it?" My voice was a snarl, vibrating through the room with a low, lethal timbre. I pulled her back and slammed her harder against the wall, my claws sinking deeper. "You spat filth at my son. You called him a mistake. A bastard. Useless. Stupid. A pest. You also dared to sully his mother's name in my house. My mate's name. Branded her a whore and a dick-hungry bitch in heat, was it?" I leaned in, my teeth bared. "Now tell me again how you didn't mean it."
Her face twisted with panic. "I-I was only—repeating! Rumors—just rumors the others whisper, Your Highness!"
