The tone was not a request. It was an order.
Count Austin stared at Demian, searching for any opening, any chance to negotiate. There was none. All he found was an impenetrable wall.
Demian stepped closer. "Whatever you need," he said coldly, "speak to my people. Do not disturb her again. Do not force her to bear matters she should never have had to carry."
Count Austin fell silent for several seconds. Then, slowly, the familiar calculating smile crept onto his face. "You are very attentive, Duke," he said smoothly. "Is this because Valerie is carrying your child?"
The air seemed to freeze.
Demian's gaze changed instantly darker, sharper.
"That is none of your concern," he said quietly, each word laced with unmistakable threat. "And listen carefully."
He looked Count Austin straight in the eye.
"Never appear in this castle again. Especially if your only intention is to exploit her."
Jester bowed even deeper, as though offering an apology without words.
