When Ryan told Sophia he had been invited to dinner by the king, she had asked if Ryan would be present. Arabella had replied, possibly.
Now, seated at the grand table, Arabella smiled faintly as she picked up a piece of meat with her fork and placed it into her mouth.
Ryan leaned closer, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered. Not far from them, the king lifted his glass of wine, taking a slow sip as his sharp eyes remained fixed on the unfolding
scene.
"She told me to inform you that she is being punished by the big bad wolf for running her mouth," Ryan murmured. "She said she needs help… and that you'll understand what she means when I tell you."
Arabella's smile faded instantly. "She said that?" she asked, concern flashing across her face.
Ryan nodded.
For a moment, the two of them seemed lost in their own little world, oblivious to the tension thickening in the room.
"Do you know who the big bad wolf is?" Ryan added casually.
Lucien stiffened.
