Chapter 346. A Note for the Record

Darron shifted.

“What I call it, is a risk.”

“Everything is a fucking risk,” she snapped. “Breathing is a risk. Going to ground is a risk. Pretending neutrality is not risk...it’s complicity. If you want to discuss policy, bring me proposals. If you want to gossip, send it to the kitchens. They have better stories and sharper knives.”

His mouth pressed into a thin line.

“You would threaten a lord for expressing concern?”

“I would threaten anyone,” Ann said pleasantly, “who uses ‘concern’ as a mask for sabotage. Treachery does not always wear armor. Sometimes it wears pearls and whispers.”

Maeve clapped slowly in her head.

“YAS QUEENIE!” she howled happily.

Darron lifted his hands, all false softness now that she had stood her ground.

“I mean no treason.”

“Then stop acting like it,” Ann said. “And if you truly fear wolves at my gates, perhaps stand with me at the gates instead of behind a hedge, muttering.”

His jaw wor