Broken inhaled slowly, steadying himself. Every movement—every breath—he measured carefully, doing everything in his power to keep his posture calm, neutral. The last thing he wanted now was to provoke Queen Nerisa further.
He knew one thing for certain: if she had truly come in wrath, she wouldn't be standing here speaking to him.
"You found me easily enough," he said, voice even, unshaken.
"Yes," she replied smoothly, "even if you had tried to hide."
He tilted his head slightly. "I wasn't trying to hide. I already told you—I couldn't stay in your kingdom for too long. That's why I invited you here. And you accepted."
Queen Nerisa began to walk—slow, poised, and now close enough for their eyes to meet without effort.
"Don't speak casually to me," she said, her voice low but sharp, "not when you know I've come with intentions."
"You've been threatening me since the moment we met," Broken replied evenly. "I know. So what now? You going to destroy me?"
