Page 125 of Ruthless God

Sighing, I grab a pair of sandals and exit the bedroom. When I reach the first floor, I hear Claudius speaking to Agnes in low, clipped tones.

I pause in the doorway, my pulse ticking up.

“…all moved before they get here.” Claudius’ voice is firm, absolute.

Agnes nods sharply. “Yes, sir. I can do that.”

I don’t know what they’re talking about. But the fact that it’s happening now, right before my father arrives, well, it can’t be a coincidence. I step forward, making my presence known. Claudius’ head snaps up, his eyes unreadable.

“Good morning,” I greet. “Agnes, did you tell Claudius that you threatened me yesterday?”

Claudius’ entire body tenses.

His eyes snap to Agnes, sharp, demanding. “What?”

Just one word. But it’s enough to make Agnes stiffen. Enough to make the air between us thick with tension.

I have to bite back a smirk. Good. Let’s see how she enjoys being the one caught in his crosshairs.

Agnes’ lips part, shocked but careful. Calculating. She recovers quickly, her expression smoothing into something neutral.

“I wouldn’t call it a threat, sir.”

I scoff. “No? Because ‘you have no idea what you’re dealing with’ sure sounded like one to me.”

Claudius’ gaze darkens, shifting back to Agnes.

And, for the first time since I’ve met her, she looks nervous. But only for a second.

“I was only trying to warn her.” Her voice is smooth, composed. “For her own good.”

I snort. “Right. Because you care so much about my well-being.”

Claudius doesn’t look away from her. His voice is lethal when he speaks.

“Explain.”

Agnes doesn’t flinch. Instead, she tilts her chin up slightly, her expression smoothing into something calm and rehearsed.

“Sir,” she begins, her tone even, carefully controlled. “I was only trying to prepare her.”

“Prepare her for what, exactly?”

Agnes exhales, as if she’s the one who’s been wronged here. “For what’s coming. For her father’s arrival. For the changes that are about to happen in this house.”

I scoff. “That’s funny, because it felt a lot more like a warning to me. Maybe even a threat.”

Agnes turns to me, her expression still frustratingly composed. “If I wanted to threaten you, dearie, you would know.”

Claudius takes a step closer to her.

“That’s the wrong answer, Agnes.” His voice is low, lethal. “Try again.”

Agnes finally drops her innocent act. Just slightly. She lets out a breath, as if she’s resigned to this conversation.

“Sir, with all due respect, you brought her here knowing the dangers.” She gestures at me. “She walks around this house like she has nothing to fear, but she doesn’t understand what’s at stake.”

Claudius’ eyes narrow. “And you do?”

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