"So the rumors are true." He said coldly as his gaze drifted downward toward the baby on her hip.
Her brows furrowed. "What rumors?"
"That you returned to Westeria and that you have a child now. That's all everyone is talking about." His eyes remained fixed on Khamsin. The air turned stifling under the weight of his disapproval. "You bore his child."
All the joy she felt moments earlier disappeared.
"Torben—"
"I refused to believe it." He laughed bitterly. "I told myself it could not be true. But here you are, carrying the proof."
Circe instinctively tightened her hold on Khamsin, her protectiveness flaring like it sensed a threat. "Watch your words."
Torben ignored the warning in her tone. "You betrayed our people."
"I did no such thing!"
"You married him." Torben countered.
"I was forced—"
"And then you gave him a son." His voice rose. "As if marrying the man that butchered our kingdom wasn't enough."
Khamsin blinked at the sudden loud noise.
