C189 Struggle of her own

Father’s expression didn’t change. He did not raise his voice. He simply moved.

One second, he was seated. The next, he was there, inches from the king’s face, his presence swallowing the air, shadows writhing around him like living smoke.

"Liar."

The word came out in a growl, low and guttural, vibrating through the very bones of the room.

The king startled