“Take her to my rooms,” Ristéard ordered quietly to Sadao an hour later. “Stay with her and keep her safe. And Sadao, do not trust anyone.”
“Of course,” Sadao replied, bowing his head at Ristéard and resting his hand over his heart to show his respect and allegiance. “Lady Ricki.”
Ristéard saw Ricki hesitate for a fraction of a second, her worried gaze focused on him before she nodded. Another wave of pride swept through him when she ignored the harsh shouts directed at her. She had stood by his side, her head held high, listening to and observing the fury that had burst from several of the councilmen. He had been right when he said that having Ricki beside him would show the true colors of those that opposed him.
Fury burned through him as the circle of men on either side of him contin
