Arthur's arrival transformed the atmosphere in the courtyard. The air grew heavy with tension as his dark gaze swept over the scene - me restrained by guards, Cassandra looking shocked, and Fiona's triumphant smile fading rapidly.
I expected fury. Shouting. Maybe even violence.
What I didn't expect was Arthur's measured silence as he walked toward me. The guards holding my arms loosened their grip instinctively, stepping back from his approach. Even bound, I stood my ground, chin lifted high despite the humiliation burning through me.
Arthur stopped directly in front of me, ignoring everyone else. His eyes traveled from my face down to my zip-tied wrists, then back up again. Something dangerous flickered behind his normally controlled expression.
"Are you hurt?" he asked quietly, the softness of his tone contrasting sharply with the hardness in his eyes.
