"Ciaran, your father still harbors love for that wretched mistress. Did you see the brazen way he protected August just now?" Victoria hissed, pacing her bedchamber as the doors closed behind them. "That boy tried to take your life in the past. He traumatized Xavier, yet the King turns a blind eye to all of it."
Hearing his mother's sharp words, a deep ache settled in Ciaran's chest. This entire crisis would never have taken root if August had simply remained in exile. He was better off far away from the palace, completely removed from their lives.
Yet, despite everything, Ciaran did not wish his half-brother dead. The agony in August's voice when he had screamed his accusations at Xavier was something the Crown Prince could not easily strike from his mind.
"Mother, you must compose yourself. I understand your anger and your frustration," Ciaran stated.
