Chapter 36. An Engagement Feast

"What are you doing here?" Emperor Vulcan rose from his throne, face red and hands tightened into fists.

He could barely control his fury. He was driven to send for the guards and mages but the thought of washing his dirty family linen in public deterred him instantly.

He had to handle this as quietly and diplomatically as possible. Word of in-fighting and a lack of control could not spread.

Nezetta tilted her head to the side as she appraised the father who had become nothing more than a stranger to her.

Resentment coursed through her like a bitter wine, burning her insides till she thought it would consume her whole.

"You cannot even say my name." She scoffed and shook her head.

Her eyes flickered across the expanse of the large hall, taking in the astonished, bewildered, and curious faces of the guests around.

"Are you afraid that they will see you for what you truly are? After all, you made me what I am. What they are so afraid of."

"Ceas