Prince Ford stared at his empty hand. "…What the," he breathed.
I stepped back politely. "You telegraphed that strike, Your Highness."
His jaw tightened. Pride flared. Without thinking, he lunged again—this time bare-handed, going for my throat. Deadly. Aiming for something more than just a duel. Ha! That was his second mistake. I caught his wrist. And forgot—just for half a second—how strong I was.
The marble beneath our feet cracked. Prince Ford's feet lifted off the ground. The entire hall gasped as I slammed him—not into the floor—but into the space beside me, stopping his momentum a hair's breadth before impact. Enough force to feel terrifying.
Not enough to kill. I released him. He stumbled back, pale, breathing hard. The nobles recoiled and gasped when the king's awe was heard, the queen was shocked. Prince Segunso smirked like someone finally beat-his-older-brother's smile.
