"Why would you do this?" Livia asked.
Anger was no longer enough to hold her upright. It still burned in her, yes, but beneath it was fear for Richard.
His name. His house. His future. Theodora had found the one place Livia was not armoured. The Queen Mother tilted her head, studying her as if Livia's distress were an interesting embroidery pattern.
"Because the Duke of Kingsmere has been friends with His Highness all his life," Theodora said, "and he stabbed him in the back."
Livia recoiled slightly. "No. Every single time Richard speaks of the king, he speaks with loyalty. With affection. With concern. Even when His Highness chose to send him to France before our wedding, Richard still defends him."
"How touching."
"You would do this to him?" Livia cried. "To someone who loves your son like a brother?"
"How did he not stab him in the back?" Theodora asked. "He knew my Henry had staked his claim on you, and he proceeded to keep you. What would you call that?" Theodora asked.
