Page 49 of The Throne's Undoing

"So, this is the prized handmaiden?" a new voice wondered, one much too familiar.

Myra's eyes snapped to the man appearing behind the king, and her breath caught in her throat as she locked eyes with the Prince of Frenzia.

She tried not to jerk out of the king's grasp or show any kind of emotion at all. But it was hard to keep still when Sebastian's small, green eyes observed her with too much interest as they skated down her body.

Sebastian's deep maroon suit jacket hung over his arm, the rich hue clashing with his red hair. The sleeves of his cotton blouse were rolled up to his elbow, and the hem of his shirt was tucked into the top of his black trousers.

Months ago, when they sailed the Red Sea from Pontia to Frenzia, Myra was thankful that she hadn't been required to interact with the prince.

Even in Frenzia, Myra rarely interacted with Sebastian, much to her relief. She had been around Frenzia's staff long enough to know their distaste for the prince, no matter how many titles he held. Sebastian Dronias was nothing but cruel, unkind, and wretched.

"Indeed, it is," King Domitius supplied, his lip curling as he released her. "Stand up," he commanded.

Myra tried to obey, but her limbs shook, and her attempt was feeble at best.

Sebastian chuckled in amusement, and Myra bit down on her tongue as tears burned behind her eyes. She had never been physically fit, not like Kallie, whose training had shaped her body. Still, Myra had never felt so weak as she did now. She pitied herself as the four men watched her struggle.

"Your Majesty," Iro said, his fear a tangible thing.

Myra squeezed her eyes shut as a wave of annoyance came from the king.

"Is there a problem?" Domitius asked.

Kolen stilled, his breathing quieting because even he knew that one did not interrupt royal affairs.

Still, the fear-filled guard stepped forward. "Your Majesty," Iro said, "the girl is weak. Getting her here was more cumbersome than we had anticipated. Are you sure--"

"Do youdarequestion me?"

Iro lowered his voice. "No, Your Majesty. Of course not. I just--I know how important this task is to you. I do not wish for anything to interfere with its progress."

The king hummed, the tension in the room growing taut. Domitius cocked his head and said, "I am feeling generous today, so I will let you leave this room with your tongue still intact. But do not question me again lest you wish never to speak again. Now get her off the ground."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Iro said, yanking Myra up by the elbow. "Thank you, My King."

Sebastian strutted forward with his hands folded behind his back. He stalked around her in a circle, clicking his tongue as he observed her. "I say this with the utmost respect, Your Majesty, but she does not seem all that special."

"Ah," the king tsked, "and that is why she has been such a splendid tool to have in my employ. Sometimes, those who hide in the shadows prove to be the best weapons."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Sebastian peered at the king inquisitively. "But I thought Kalisandre was your weapon, is she not? After all, you paraded her around as such."

The muscles in the king's jaw twitched at the mention of Kallie, but he pressed forward, hiding his dismay from those in the room. "While that is in part true, Kalisandre'sobediencewouldn't be possible if it wasn't for her handmaiden." He smiled.

"Is that so?" Sebastian asked, doubtful.

"Indeed."

"If only all members of one's staff were as useful."

The two men laughed, the cruel sound making Myra's skin crawl. Then, someone cleared their throat, silencing the laughteras everyone turned toward the door from which the king and prince entered.

A man stood at the doorway, his hands folded together in front of him. He wore a stained white apron, a sight which made the blood leave Myra's face. Black gloves stretched over his arms, stopping at his elbows. Through silver-rimmed spectacles balancing precariously on the tip of his nose, the man observed her with beady eyes.

"Your Majesty," the man said, shifting his attention to the king. "Apologies for the interruption, but I am ready when you are."

"Thank you, Dr. Thorne," Domitius said. He turned to Sebastian. "Let's get started then, shall we?"

"Are you sure we can trust her?" Sebastian replied, his gaze flicking from the king to Myra with suspicion.

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