she hissed. She turned her gaze to the Duke of Spades, ignoring the King completely as if he were a ghost. "Duke Spades, you have my full authority. Take your knights. Handle it as you see fit. I want results, and I want the heads of their leaders brought to this table as 'evidence' of their cleansing. Why would I allow insects to feast on the bounties of my realm?"
"But Your Majesty—" Julian tried to interrupt, but she continued without acknowledging him, offering only a dismissive side-long glance.
She leaned over the table, her shadow falling across the map. "Cleanse the border. Do not let the King's 'mercy' distract you from your duty."
The Duke of Spades remained frozen, his mouth slightly ajar. For years, the Queen had been a puppet of Julian's "wisdom," but now she was drawing the outlines of her kingdom alone. A look of pride washed over his face.
